Forsyth OKs measure banning”cut-through” driving to avoid lights

Forsyth County commissioners have approved a measure aimed at addressing so-called “cut-through” traffic. The ordinance change bans drivers from disobeying a traffic control device by driving through private property or public property that’s not a street or highway.

Sheriff Ron Freeman told the commission the major purpose of the ordinance wasn’t to write citations, but to improve public safety. He said that drivers are cutting through places like daycare center parking lots in order to avoid traffic lights and nearly running over pedestrians “and unless it’s reckless driving or something really dangerous we can’t stop them.” He said the change would at least allow deputies to stop drivers and warn them about the practice, telling them they’ll be ticketed if they continue.

The measure passed on a 4-0 vote at the commission’s Oct. 5 meeting.