Positioned near the sidewalk on Cherry Street, just as the road merges with Halls Ferry Road, sits a radar speed trailer. As each car approaches, the number on the trailer changes showing the approaching driver just how fast they are traveling.

For some, it is a challenge to see what number they can “post” before passing by, while others — and hopefully a majority — are reminded of the speed limit and the need to watch just how fast they are going in the residential area.

This trailer is used from time to time around the city in areas where traffic and speeding have become a concern.

This is one of those areas.

Speeding is nothing new and will always be a concern, especially in residential areas and areas where children play.

That said, this trailer is just part of what can and should be used to deter speeding and other traffic issues.

In addition to the trailer, which is a nice start, additional patrols in neighborhoods and positioning officers at known high-speed areas is the next needed step.

This is in no way advocating the creation of speed traps, nor are we calling on the department to pull officers from patrolling high crime areas, but there are parts of town where attention is needed.

Sadly, there are not enough officers to cover each of those areas on a daily or even weekly basis, but a plan is warranted and can hopefully be discussed when the town hall on public safety is rescheduled.

We appreciate the Vicksburg Police Department’s attention to the Cherry Street area with the placement of the radar speed trailer, but we hope the next step is more patrols, additional enforcement and more deterrents.