Recently I was issued a speeding ticket in west Belleville. This took place in a school zone in front of the Catholic grade school Blessed Sacrament. I was going 35 mph in a 20 mph zone. I did not realize I was in a school zone, but I was and I am guilty as charged.

The next day I took the same route and when I approached the same area I slowed to the posted speed limit when I saw the sign. I saw a few children and felt ashamed of myself. As I drove a block or so down West Main Street, I observed a flood of children flowing out of Signal Hill Boulevard. They were all over the place. Signal Hill public school had let out.

I slowed down again to 20 mph only this time I did not miss the sign, because there isn't one posted. There weren't any police either.

So, thank you to the nice police officer for heightening my awareness. Maybe this letter will expand the awareness of others.

Thomas Ripley

Belleville