An increase in speeding and shootings in North Charleston has left people on edge.
"Something had to have been done because of the increase in shootings, the increase of speeders along those intersections, along those highways," said State Rep. Wendell Gilliard, D-Charleston, "because you know, we're talking about putting people's lives in jeopardy."
Rep. Gilliard and South Carolina Director of Public Safety Leroy Smith say they are taking action.
A letter addressed from Smith to Gilliard details a plan that will involve teamwork from the State Highway Patrol, North Charleston Police and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office.
"We all have the same ultimate goal and that's to save lives," said Sgt. Bob Beres, with the South Carolina Highway Patrol.
Gilliard says speeding along Interstate 26 has become somewhat of a fad.
"These youngsters, they don't take our speed limits seriously," he said. "They're not taking it seriously, so now we have to get serious."
But he said the quick response sends a message.
"Number one, we're not gonna tolerate it," added Gilliard. "Number two, if you're speeding, you're gonna get caught."
According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, several enforcement initiatives have been put into place, including multi-agency safety checkpoints.
"Increased enforcement of patrols on I-26, especially during 2 o'clock and 5 o'clock in the morning," Beres said.
Gilliard says many of the incidents are linked to late nights and drinking.
"These sorts of things are gonna spring up but then when they do spring up, we have to spring into action," he said. "Because our citizens won't tolerate it and we're not gonna tolerate it."
Drivers can expect to see increased patrols throughout the next two months.
