The city of Kissimmee has installed a dozen speed humps in the downtown and residential areas, saying speedy drivers could hurt not only others but the local economy as well.
Officials said a recent study by the Public Works Department showed before the speed humps, most drivers went through downtown Kissimmee at around 30 to 35 mph. Since installing the humps, most drivers go 15 mph.
While safety was the main reason why city officials decided to put up the speed humps, they said another reason was to actually revitalize the downtown economy.
'We're trying to become more pedestrian-friendly and less vehicle-friendly,' said David Derrick, the city's director of public works and engineering. 'So that people can see the redevelopment in the downtown area and use the shops, instead of using this as a cut-through.
Each temporary speed hump cost about $4,000, much less expensive than installing permanent ones.
The program has been funded by sales tax revenue, but Derrick said with the recent budget cuts, he was not sure if the program would continue to receive funding.
