Read more: Local, Crime, San Benito, Speeding, Arnulfo Flores, Batts Street, Hurricane, High Speeds, Heavy Rains, City Commission, Police Chief, Cameron County, Rio Grande Valley
The City of San Benito is considering approving an ordinance that would fine drivers caught speeding through flooded areas of the city.
It is a move residents in flood prone areas, like Arnulfo Flores, approve of.
"In the last hurricane, it got flooded up to this tree right here,” he said motioning to his yard. “And close to my house, about three feet away from my house."
Flores lives in one of the lowest lying areas of San Benito along Batts Street. He said the streets in this neighborhood flood often.
They usually don’t reach his home, unless a hurricane or really heavy rains are involved.
"The water would wave under my house, and that unleveled my house one time," he said.
Flores said part of that problem were the cars, especially large trucks driving by at high speeds. The waves they left behind forced the water into his yard and eventually his home. Now the city has also taken notice.
During their next meeting on August 3, the city commission will discuss the approval of the ordinance. If approved it would fine speeding motorist up to $500 if they are caught.
"I think it would be good if we could maybe take down their license plates so they can get fined or something," Flores added.
The exact details on how the ordinance will be implemented are still in discussion, but commissioners told Action 4 News they would bring up that question to the police chief before they vote on it.
