Speed limits are too high

As most residents of Charlotte are no doubt aware, there is a significant and dangerous increase in traffic volume from the Charlotte-Essex Ferry due to the closure of the Crown Point Bridge. The traffic is significantly greater on Ferry Road as well as Converse Bay, Lake and Thomson’s Point Roads. Although the precise numbers of vehicles have not been made available, there is at least a threefold increase in vehicles per day over the normal summer-time traffic, but likely it is closer to five times normal. At 6:30 in the morning, I have counted 39 vehicles racing along Ferry road as well as many evening commuters racing to catch the next ferry. To say that this is an extreme increase in traffic is an understatement.
 The speed limit in Charlotte is 50 mph unless posted otherwise – yes, that is for paved and gravel roads. How can the state speed limit for state highways be the same as a town dirt road is beyond my comprehension, but it is. This situation really demonstrates that the town needs to address the speed limits on its roads, enforce those speeds, and make the roads safe for cars, trucks, runners, cyclists, horseback riders, pedestrians, etc. I propose that we should have a town wide speed limit of 35 mph on all gravel roads, 45 mph on all paved roads, and slower speeds in appropriately designated areas. Furthermore, we need to make all stop signs applicable to all roads at intersections. For example, there is a two-way stop at Lake and Ferry Roads, but given the present situation, many cars racing to and from the ferry are traveling at 60 mph through a very dangerous intersection with limited sight distances. This should be converted to a four-way stop intersection as should many other intersections throughout the town.
 I have personally raised the need for speed limits many times in the past, including when I was a member of the Charlotte Planning Commission. In light of this extreme situation we can see how inadequate our planning has been and why we need to address this situation. To think that a vehicle could travel through two 90-degree turns at 50 mph and not be SPEEDING is ludicrous! This situation must be corrected without delay before we have our children or animals injured or killed as result of such stupidity.
 I have provided a list of specific recommendations to the Selectboard to deal with the increased Ferry traffic situation and look forward to their adoption. I would be happy to discuss this situation with anyone interested.
 
Gordon Troy