Elyria police ask to borrow resident’s driveways

ELYRIA, Ohio (WOIO) - Elyria police are asking for residents to help catch speeders.

Elyria Ward 1 City Councilman Andrew Lipian said police are welcoming residents to volunteer their driveways for use to catch drivers going over the speed limit.

According to Councilman Lipian, if officers could park in certain driveways, it could “greatly enhance their effectiveness.”

Lipian added he has already volunteered his own driveway.

“I’m excited about the prospect of residents and police collaborating together to induce the community to better safety because that is what it is all about,” said Lipian.

He told 19 news that speeding is one of the top complaints in Ward 1.

He and another officer came up with the idea to gather a list of volunteered driveways after he shadowed a police officer.

We know this has gained some support, but others tell us this may be too big of a favor to ask.

“Not for the purpose of police using it to try to catch people up. People are just trying to live their lives, go to and from work without being bothered with, they are just trying to live their daily lives” said driver Jon Jones.

Others don’t argue that speeding is an issue, but they tell me they believe there are other effective ways to make streets safer

“Maybe speed bumps or something to that effect. Something that could be more effective that cops sitting in the area where they can be using their time better in higher traffic” said another driver, Nick Jones.

A push to make streets safer for drivers and people who live nearby... and hope to come to a collaborative solution.

If you are interested in volunteering your driveway, you can message City Councilman Lipian.

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