Neighborhood watch group in Salinas challenging dangerous drivers

The speed limit off San Miguel Avenue in Salinas is 25 miles per hour. But residents like Dwight Metcalfe with the Monterey Park Neighborhood Watch Group said drivers are breaking the law every daywhen they speedthrough the subdivision.

“They’ve been driving fast on Highway 68, driving fast on Blanco Road. Boom – they drive fast through the subdivision, and we think that’s dangerous,” said Metcalfe.

Taking matters into their own hands and using their own money, member with the watch group purchased 25 mph speed limit signs in hopes of reminding motorists to slow down.

Salinas Police Commander Sheldon Bryan works closely with the group and said they do a great job keeping an eye on the community.

“I think it’s a great idea. At minimum it’ll show that the community is concerned about the safety of their residents and hopefully this reminder will help people slow down,” said Bryan.

Bryan also told News Channel 5 it’s legal to post your own speed limit sign as long as it’s the legal limit for the area. But Bryan said its true some neighborhood watch groups go overboard when it comes to taking control of the area.

“We’ve had many discussions on citizen patrols and things like that that are generated out of neighborhood watch programs. That’s something we simply don’t support,” said Bryan.

But what he does support is the Monterey Park Neighborhood Watch Group coming together to make the roads safer.

A grandfather, Metcalfe said he’s sometimes nervous to let his grandchildren outside to play.

“There is a reason to slow down. Number one: The law says so. Number Two: There are people living here. It’s dangerous,” said Metcalfe.

The sign is posted on San Miguel Avenue and for now is temporary. The group is working with the city to put up more permanent speed limit signs.