HOULTON, Maine — In response to citizens’ concerns about traffic flow near Houlton High School, local police are instituting a new policy when it comes to picking up and dropping off students at the school.
Signs have been erected on both sides of Bird Street to help with the flow of traffic in front of the high school during school hours. The signs are a direct result of conversations Houlton police had with residents of Bird Street. Council chairman brought Paul Cleary the matter to the attention of the police department.
“To understand the magnitude of the problem, HPD spoke to the residents of Bird Street, the superintendent, the high school principal and other school officials,” Houlton Police Chief Butch Asselin said. “Some Bird Street residents were concerned about emergency service providers not having access to their homes and/or not being able to get out of their driveways.”
Asselin and Houlton Town Manager Eugene Conlogue monitored the traffic on Bird Street and a decision was made to place new signage on the road.
The current “No Parking” signs will be replaced with signs that read “No Parking or Standing During School Hours.” An officer will be at the high school to assist moving traffic as soon as the signs are in place.
Initially, warnings will be issued to motorists, Asselin said.
“Parents will still be able to pick up their children in front of the school however waiting or ‘Standing’ on Bird Street may be a violation if traffic is at a standstill,” he added.
Vehicles lining the street waiting to get to the front of the school to pick up their child would constitute “standing,” Asselin said.
“Should the new signage not have the desired effect, the police department will propose making Bird Street one-way,” the chief said. “The department will also consult with school officials about the possibility of establishing a safe ‘Student Drop-Off Zone” in front of the high school between Bird and Willard streets. Establishing student drop-off areas away from the main entrance of a school has worked well in other school districts. Students may have to walk a little farther, but the zones can be effective in mitigating traffic congestion, saving time and fuel.”
