DATA: Traffic stops in Nashville increased by more than 50% compared to this time last year
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Traffic stops in Metro Nashville have increased compared to this time last year, according to data from the police department.
The new data comes after the Metro Council passed a resolution urging the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure to increase traffic enforcement.
NOVEMBER 2024 | Metro Council calls for increased traffic enforcement from MNPD and NDOT
Since taking office, Metro Councilmember for District 11 Jeff Eslick said that speed has been a top concern in the Old Hickory and Hermitage areas.
'Speeding is still an issue in and around Nashville — not just in my district,' Eslick told News 2.
Though Eslick has previously sponsored a resolution asking the MNPD to increase traffic enforcement, not all Metro Councilmembers were on board at the time.
'We did not want to go back to the times where MNPD was stopping 7.7 times the national average for traffic stops when MNPD was stopping more Black drivers,' District 2 Councilmember Kyontzé Toombs said in January.
A resolution passed in January with some amendments, including prioritizing enforcement for reckless driving, driving under the influence, speeding and distracted driving infractions.
JANUARY | Metro Council passes amended version of traffic enforcement resolution
'The traffic stops did really decrease over a five- to seven-year period,' Eslick said.
However, Eslick said it's encouraging to see the numbers go back up to catch drivers breaking the law.
'There are still some people out there — whether it's drag racing or just on the edge of it,' Eslick said. 'They seem to be living in a video game and doing what they want, and I think now the police are saying, 'We're looking. Be careful.''
Now, Eslick hopes to turn the focus to drivers speeding through neighborhoods and along secondary streets.
'We're looking for, potentially a tax hike here, so what are we getting for our money? I think that's a question that residents ask often. 'Is our city safe? Is our city clean? Is our money being spent most efficiently?'' Eslick said. 'And I think we are getting a little bit more bang for a buck compared to this time last year.'
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