The West Jefferson Police Department will be participating in the “No Need 2 Speed” campaign which is part of the North Carolina Highway Safety Program, Chief Brian Grogan said.

The campaign will run throughout the state from Nov. 17 thru Nov. 30. Grogan cited that as areas in West Jefferson become more congested with and traffic and the arrival of the Hampton Inn hotel entrance, there will be a greater need for speed enforcement.

In a recent survey conducted by the police department, almost 75 percent of the participants expressed concern for more speed enforcement. An increase in accidents in the vicinity of State Employees Credit Union and Smoky Mountain BBQ also has been areas of concern in the community.

Beginning this past week, the speed limit on the four-lane between the SECU and the intersection of Hwy 221 and 163 has been lowered from 45 mph to 35 mph. Additional signs informing motorists of the change have been installed as well. In residential areas in West Jefferson, the speed limit has been lowered to 20 mph.

Grogan noted how there will be an increased presence of officers in the area with radar guns issuing citations. Fines for speeding range from $146 to $171 along with a possible mandatory court appearance. Other costs include possible increases in auto insurance fees not to mention the possibility of someone sustaining life threatening injuries.

“We want drivers to be safe as well as the pedestrians throughout the town,” Grogan said. “We are asking each of you to please take it upon yourselves to be mindful of your speed and slow down.”