Traffic Infractions Up in 2011

Gig Harbor saw a spike in traffic infractions and criminal traffic citations through the first six months of this year.

According to the Second Quarterly Council Report, the issued 215 more traffic infractions than the same period last year.

Its criminal traffic citations also increased by 62 in 2011.

"It is truly amazing how many people are driving with suspended licenses," Police Chief Mike Davis wrote in the report.

Out of the 54 traffic accidents in the second quarter, nine involved a roundabout. Injury-involved accidents, including two incidents on Soundview Drive, were up by six, from four in the first quarter to 10 in the second quarter. 

In addition, misdemeanor arrests went up by 79, from 202 last year to 281 this year. DUI arrests also saw a slight increase by six. Meanwhile, felony arrests were down seven compared to the same period in 2010.

In other developments in the report, Davis said the department recently completed a grant cycle for the GHPD Marine Services Unit (MSU) between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. With the $17,691 grant from the Washington State Parks and Vessel Registration Fees from the state, Davis said the entire salaries and benefits for all MSU patrol hours has been essentially paid by non-city funds. 

In addition, the department received another grant of $29,198 to pay for salary costs throughout June 30, 2012. Davis noted the figure was increased to offset an expected decrease in Vessel Registration Fees in 2012.

(Click here to read the complete report.)