Neighbors worry about speeds on streets

(AUSTIN) KXAN - People living in South Austin say traffic speeding through their streets is a disaster waiting to happen. Some drivers are residents, some are people looking for a short cut from Interstate 35 to Congress Avenue, but many are people test driving vehicles from dealerships along the Motor Mile.

The neighborhoods being affected are Battle Bend Springs and Greenwood Hills located West of I-35 South just behind the Motor Mile. 

"It poses a very hazardous situation for all involved," said Tara Eaton, who lives in the neighborhood.

Eaton said when the Motor Mile took shape traffic troubles started on Battle Bend Boulevard.

"This used to be a very peaceful neighborhood. We didn't have a lot of traffic flying through here. Now it seems to be a thoroughfare for a lot of the car dealership traffic," said Eaton.

Neighbors said some behind the wheel are dealership customers out for a test drive and others are mechanics.  Homeowners recognize vehicles from dealership lots by the window stickers, license plates, driver's uniforms and the new car look.

"You can see it shining from way down the road," said Eaton.

Another neighbor, Greg Park, worries about the elderly, kids and pets in the community.

"I've seen some very fast ones and I have a kid. There's lots of kids in the neighborhood," said Park.

For some just backing out of their driveway is a concern.

"It angers me. I don't fly around in their neighborhoods. I don't speed in their neighborhoods and I wish they wouldn't speed in our neighborhood," said Eaton.

"We're hearing a lot of peeling out of vehicles, a lot of testing of vehicles, high rates of speed," said Mario Cantu, the president of the Battle Bend Springs Homeowner's Association.  Cantu said police have put up electronic speed signs in the past but not used radar. Last week he said he informed dealership managers about the problem.

"They were very responsive to our concern," said Cantu.

But even after their conversations, a KXAN News camera caught multiple cars and trucks from dealerships cruising down the road--some at high rates of speed.

"It's going to be a matter of time when someone's going to get hurt or someone's going to get killed," said Cantu.

The sales manager for Champion Toyota spoke with KXAN News over the phone.

"We do not advocate the use of neighborhood streets for test drive purposes. They're our neighbors and we want to keep our neighbors happy because obviously they are potential customers," said Bill Brown, sales manager for Champion Toyota.

"This was the first time I heard of it. I will address it and make sure everyone in the South Point group is aware. South Point wouldn't do anything to put those families or children in danger and we'll take steps to use alternate routes for driving," said Jim Hayth, general manager, South Point Hyundai and Kia.

Neighbors hope the attention will calm the traffic.