House Republican Press Release

January 25, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. D’Amelio: School Zone Signs t o be installed on Route 188 Near Middlebury Elementary School

Fines for Speeding Violations Would Be Doubled in School Zone

New school zone signs will be going up on Route 188 near the Middlebury Elementary School soon, state Representative Anthony J. D’Amelio announced today.

Installation of the signs, which will read: ‘School Zone Ahead, Fines Doubled,’ was approved by the State Traffic Commission (STC) at its January 15^th meeting. The signs will be erected as soon as weather and scheduling permit, said Representative D’Amelio, R-71^st District, who worked with STC officials to gain approval for the signs.

“After being called by a couple of parents whose children attend Middlebury Elementary School who asked for my help in getting the signs erected, I contacted STC officials, and pointed out that the only warning to motorists of a school in the area is a sign in the northbound lane that depicts a building with figures of an adult and a child,” Representative D’Amelio said.

“The STC agreed that additional signs were needed to alert drivers about school children crossing or walking along the road - and they should be going up soon,” Representative D’Amelio said. “Children frequently cross the road near the school. The new signs will alert motorists to the presence of children and make it plain that there are serious consequences for exceeding the 35 mph speed limit.”

The school zone signs will be erected on both the north- and south-bound lanes of Route 188. Signs reading ‘End School Zone’ also will be put up on both sides of the road, Representative D’Amelio said.