Bloomfield Township Police Issue 140 Tickets for Illegal Left Turns

Bloomfield Township police issued more than 140 citations in less than a week for drivers making illegal left turns near the Hickory Grove subdivision. The crackdown targets traffic using local streets as a shortcut between major highways.

The no-left-turn restrictions are in effect on eastbound Hickory Grove Road at three specific intersections: Rambling Way, Courville Drive, and Aspen Lane. These rules apply during morning and evening rush hours. Signs for these restrictions were installed over the summer, but residents reported that many drivers ignored them for months.

Officer Sean Manor said the department initially issued warnings when the signs first went up. That approach has changed in recent days. Manor explained that residents expressed a major safety concern about being hit by cars as traffic volumes increased. He noted that drivers often claim their GPS told them to turn, but he emphasized that drivers are responsible for following posted signs.

Resident Michelle Gikas identified the closure of I-696 as a key factor worsening the problem. She said drivers exited Telegraph Road and used the subdivision streets to reach I-75. Gikas highlighted that the area lacks sidewalks, creating hazards for pedestrians and children waiting at bus stops in the street.

Susan Calhoun, a local resident, described the recent enforcement as "open field day" in reference to the number of cars stopped. She observed that drivers were not paying attention to the new signage. Another resident, Eric Griffin, acknowledged that traffic has slowed down slightly but stated that many drivers still do not seem to understand the rules.

Each citation carries a $125 fine and adds two points to the driver's record. Gikas warned drivers that the fines and points would impact their insurance and driving records. Police stated that enforcement efforts in the area will continue.