GIDDINGS POLICE CHIEF WARNS AGAINST STOP-SIGN RUNNING

  

Police in Giddings say they have received numerous complaints of drivers running stop signs.

According to Giddings Police Chief Haril Walpole, the department regularly receives complaints about stop-sign runners, who according to some homeowners, barely even slow down for the signs.  Walpole says this is a “big problem in several areas of Giddings”.

Walpole reminds drivers that law states, when arriving at a stop sign, they must come to a complete stop, which means their tires need to stop turning.

Walpole says it can be difficult to patrol all the problem areas, as the department has limited manpower.  He says “when we patrol the highway, people complain they don’t see us on the highway”, and “when we patrol the highway, the back streets need more attention”.

The penalty for running a stop sign in Giddings is $210, including court costs and a possible increase in car insurance costs.

Walpole urges drivers to not run stop signs, saying potentially putting neighborhoods and children at risk is not worth saving a few seconds on their drive.

Walpole says anyone with concerns can either call police at 979-540-2700, or fill out a Close Patrol request at the department’s website, www.giddingspolice-tx.us.