MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Police have started increasing enforcement at four of the city's worst intersections.
The pilot program called "Take It EZ Milwaukee" started Saturday. Police are focused on: North 60th Street and Capitol Drive; North 27th Street and West Center Street/West Fon Du Lac Avenue; South Cesar Chavez Drive and West Greenfield Avenue/West Muskego Avenue; and South 35th Street and West National Avenue.
The initiative, aimed at deterring reckless driving, was formed through a collaboration between city and county leaders, law enforcement, residents and local businesses.
"Everyone in this community who does drive realizes how serious this issue has become. Reckless driving has become a crisis situation here Milwaukee meaning we need to do something about it," said District 8 Alderman Bob Donovan.
Neighbors with the Grasslyn Manor Block Watch showed up to 60th and Capitol Saturday with signs. They were ready to brave the heat to send a message.
"Sometimes you have to make yourself known and be visible and then maybe they’ll pay attention," said Mary Ann Nichols, another neighbor.
"This neighborhood does not deserve this intersection," said Steve O'Connell with the Grasslyn Manor Block Watch.
"I'm here to try to get the people to slow down, watch their driving habits, and to try to save lives," said Percy Burt, who lives nearby.
60th and Capitol has become notorious for bad drivers. Residents who came out said they will not walk across the street; some won't even drive there. It was also the intersection where Milwaukee Police Officer Kou Her was killed by a suspected drunk driver in June.
"People need to slow down. They need to respect other drivers on the road. They need to obey the rules of the road. There is no substitute for common sense when it comes to driving," said Donovan.
