Dear Editor:

Several years ago the Maine Department of Transportation redesigned Main Street in downtown Wiscasset. They changed the traffic pattern in order to reduce “traffic friction” and increase traffic flow. Besides creating three-minute waits for pedestrians crossing Main Street, MDOT also prohibited left turns onto Railroad Avenue and South Water Street. I have observed in my daily walks downtown that the left turn prohibitions are mostly ignored by residents and visitors alike.

I have inquired of Police Chief Hesseltine about these frequent traffic infractions. The Chief was apologetic, informing me that his department just does not have sufficient staff or funding to conduct this sort of traffic enforcement in the downtown area. I sympathize with the Chief’s need to set priorities, but it bothers me that we have obvious posted traffic regulations that are generally ignored without consequence. That contributes to a generalized disrespect for traffic laws. I have also contacted the County Sheriff and the State Police, and not surprisingly, was told that they both leave that sort of enforcement to the town police.

Therefore, I would like to suggest a solution to the problem. I urge that the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen write to the Commissioner of MDOT asking for the left turn prohibition signs for Railroad Avenue and South Water Street be removed. I am not saying that enforcement of these prohibitions would not be preferable, but since they are effectively unobserved at present, then removal of the signs will have no actual effect on current traffic flow in downtown Wiscasset. And everyone, the obedient few as well as the many scofflaws will enjoy the convenience of making these left turns.

Donald Jones

Wiscasset