Above is a view of Hwy 63 that runs in front of the South Tama County High School. To the far right of the picture is the new proposed location for the start of the school speed zone which is just north of the STC baseball field. The City of Toledo will here the proposal on Monday, March 9. News Herald Photo/Allison Graham

Discussion regarding speed zones outside of the South Tama County High School continued at the Tama City Council meeting on Monday, March 2. Officials have called for a reduced speed limit in this area for some time. However, several council members would like to see the zone extended to north of the point selected in the DOT plans.

Concerns for extending the zone were raised by Gary Kretlow of the DOT in an email to John Lloyd, Tama City Public Works Director. Kretlow stated that when placing a school zone, better results are usually seen when keeping the distance to a minimum. According to Kretlow, drivers are more willing to slow down for shorter distances than longer distances. The baseball entrance (where the zone is looking to be extended to) will not be used during the normal school day and sees limited use throughout the year. Kretlow finished by encouraging the school and the city to work with the local police department in enforcing the new school zone. After the discussion it was determined that the DOT was willing to move the school zone north of the ball field entrance.

The next obstacle to work through is that, with the extension, the zone now falls into the Toledo City limits. The DOT will put in all the necessary signs regarding the speed zone including a blinking school traffic light. Once installed the City of Toledo would be responsible for maintenance.

Hours for the 30 mph school speed zone to be in place are 30 minutes prior to school start, during open campus lunch from 11:30 a.m.- 12:50 p.m., and 3:05 p.m.-3:50 p.m. The exception is the early dismissal on Wednesday when the zone would be in effect from 2:05 p.m.-2:50 p.m.

The issue is scheduled to be discussed by the Toledo City Council on Monday, March 9.