CENTRALIA — Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke says his department is joining with the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police to urge motorists to stop speeding and help ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely.

According to Locke, over the past few years, they’ve seen an increase in careless and risky driving. Locke asserts no matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous, adding, speed limits aren’t a suggestion – they are the law.

He says drivers can expect a ticket from the Centralia Police Department if they’re spotted speeding, and that stepped-up patrols will be seen throughout Centralia and the state July 6-31.

The speed enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT.