WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Some Des Moines residents say the city has a speed problem, and want speed bumps installed in half a dozen places around the metro.
Others believe the speed bumps won't work.
The city has agreed to devote $85 million to projects around public improvements, bridge improvements and street improvements. Some community members feel a portion of the money should go towards cutting down on speeding.
But are speed bumps the solution?
James Larson has lived on Ovid Avenue and 56th Street for 10 years. He explains when the sun sets, it often feels like he lives by a racetrack.
"It's mainly at nighttime. You will be about anywhere from 8:30 to 10:30 at night. It's just speed racers through here all the time."
When asked about installing speed bumps to help slow drivers down, Larson isn't convinced that's the road to travel down.
"I don't think it's a good idea. I mean, traffic's gonna fly up and down the road at 50 miles an hour, whether there's a bump here or not. All they're gonna do is break their cars."
Al Setka with the City of Des Moines gave Local 5 the following statement:
"Excess speed is a recurring concern and addressing it is a leading priority for our elected leaders. Speed humps have shown to be a cost-effective solution to slow down motorists and restore safety in our neighborhoods throughout the city."
Larson spoke to residents trying to gain signatures for a petition for the speed bumps, but believes the money being considered for the project could be better invested elsewhere. He thinks a better solution could be having more Des Moines police officers visit the area more.
"Have more police around here. We used to have a cop up the road, he doesn't live here. Now there's never a presence around here," he said.
The plan being recommended to Des Moines City Council would include adding around 22 speed bumps in seven different residential areas. The item will be discussed May 9.