Gentry police to crack down on drivers taking short cuts

GENTRY — Police are planning to crack down on drivers who cut across parking lots and private properties to avoid intersections and traffic controls, according to Gentry Police Chief Keith Smith.

According to Smith, the department has received anumber of complaints from local business and property owners about motorists driving vehicles through parking lots and across private property to get around stop signs and stop lights at intersections, or simply to take a short cut.

City ordinance prohibits driving onto or across private property or business parking lots to avoidintersections, traffic lights and stop signs, according to Smith. He said the fines for the misdemeanor offense are set between $50 and $250.

Smith said property owners can sign a complaint to prosecute motorists who drive across their properties, and his officers will be watching for violators, as well.