Clermont Police To Enforce Laws To Protect Pedestrians From Skateboarders

The Clermont Town Council agreedto clamp down on skateboarders by directing the police to call parents, issue warnings or write tickets.

Sheri Stevens Miller said she was confronted by a skateboarder that nearly ran her over while she was walking to the town hall for the May 10 council meeting.

Officer Dave Sutton said he has been talking to the children about staying out of the streets. However, residents Linda Backus and Councilors Vonda Kiger and John Miller preferred stronger enforcement than just a verbal warning.

“The skateboarders come to a deadstop and will not get out of the road,” Backus said.

Kiger said it was probably a moot point because the local ordinances are not codified to enforce the ordinance.

Police Chief George Hughes said the police can enforce the state statute and fines could cost as much as $150.00.

Council President Bob Hinshaw told the Hughes to use good judgment before issuing $150 ticket to kids.

“So far we do,” Hughes said.

“You will only need to write about five tickets and the problem will stop,” Miller said.

Miller explained the skateboarders are in that between age where they are too big for bikes.

“They can’t drive and they have no place to go, so they have bonded with the skateboard,” he said.

Councilor Walt Miller and Hinshaw recommended building a skateboard park for the youth. Miller said he would look into the project and talk to the Robey Elementary principal who also has shown an interest in the idea.