Nov 12, 2007 6:45 pm US/Central
Highland Park Passes School Zone Cell Phone Ban
HIGHLAND PARK (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The Highland Park town council has passed a ban for drivers using cell phones in certain areas.
The ordinance bans drivers from using hand-held cell phones during school zone hours. The use of hands-free cellular devices is still allowed. The ban will be enforced in 12 school zones surrounding three Highland Park schools.
Town officials say enforcement of the new ordinance won't start for at least two weeks. Signs posted at school zones will alert drivers to the ban, and warning citations will be issued for at least a month.
"We recommended that the fine be much like a red light camera, a $75-$100 range," said Darrell Fant with the Highland Park Police Department. "Ultimately that will be the court administrator and the municipal court judge's decision."
With the safety of kids in mind every parent who spoke to CBS 11 News agreed the ordinance needs to pass. "I think that a cell phone ban in school zones is an excellent idea," said parent Sara Clark. "We have way too much inattention while people are passing through."
School-zone safety has been a concern for many since a section of Mockingbird Lane was closed for reconstruction about a month ago.
"Mockingbird Lane is a very, very busy street and I've had individuals on the cell phone stop completely in the crosswalk or run through red lights while talking on a cell phone," Clark said. "It's a huge distraction. Our kid's safety is at issue here."
The Highland Park council will revisit the issue in six months and at that time consider a citywide driving cell phone ban.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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