VW police to enforce ‘shortcutting’ ban

Van Wert police will be enforcing local ordinances banning short-cutting across private property, such as shopping center parking lots, in the area of the intersection of Ervin Road and Shannon Street.

“Because of the high volume of traffic and concerns by businesses over possible safety issues with pedestrians and motorists, the department will begin assigning offers to the area to enforce the city ordinance prohibiting shortcutting across private property and other traffic violations observed,” said Police Chief Joel Hammond in a release issued Thursday.

The police chief said he hopes motorists will comply with the ordinance and find alternate routes around the construction so that citations won’t have to be issued.

The intersection is expected to be closed until September 9 as workmen complete a reconstruction project on Shannon Street.