WEIRTON — With members of the city’s Traffic Commission receiving reports of speeding through residential areas for several months, Weirton Police Chief Charlie Kush said he will be asking his officers to focus on traffic patrols.

The Traffic Commission met Monday morning, where three of the six agenda items were related to speeding.

Kush’s comments came during a discussion on a speed study performed on Greenbrier Road from May 9 to May 13, which was the result of concerns by residents of high speeds as well as motorists not observing posted stop signs.

Commissioner Fred Marsh and Public Works Director Allen Hess noted the study didn’t appear to have a good sample of traffic, both attributing it to the positioning of the speed trailer near an existing stop sign.

They did note, though, there were instances where it appeared speeds were higher than they should have been for vehicles having stopped at the nearby intersection.

Kush said that would indicate motorists aren’t always stopping when they are supposed to, admitting it’s an issue in various parts of the city.

“Pick an intersection and they’re going to blow through the stop signs unless they see a cruiser,” Kush said.

On Greenbrier Road, in particular, there has been some debate as to whether some, or all, of a series of three stop signs should be observed, with some residents reportedly claiming they were installed improperly. Commissioners reported, Monday, a review by the city attorney had found all of the signage was enacted legally, and should be observed.

Kush said he plans to have an increased focus on speeding and stop sign enforcement by his officers, not just on Greenbrier Road, but in other areas of the city.

“I’m just going to pick an area and have them swarm it,” Kush said.

Ashleigh Gurskey, a resident who approached the commission in April with concerns about Greenbrier Road, offered further assistance, including in seeking grants to better display the signage.

In related matters, a Kathleen Way resident approached the commission with a request of lowering the speed limit on Circle Drive from its current 25 miles per hour.

Kush said there have been multiple speed studies done in the area, with Hess reporting the average speed has been at 23 miles per hour.

The commission advised to get Ward 7 Councilman Chris Jonczak involved, to speak with residents, before taking any action.

Commissioners opted to recommend lowering the speed on Central Avenue from 25 miles per hour to 15 miles per hour, and also install a new stop sign on Bennett Drive at the intersection with Central Avenue.

Commissioners also decided to recommend Ward 1 Councilman Tim Connell work with the city clerk to clarify language concerning no parking areas on North 10th Street, and decided against a request to place a stop sign in front of 101 Culler Road, with officials noting it is a state road and the city would have no authority on the request.