Mahoning Township Chief of Police Ken Barnes said traffic safety issues in the township "are paramount" and will be enforced in the new year.

He has compiled a list of priorities for enforcement action by his officers.Among them is enforcement of red light violations at the Normal Square light effective Jan. 16.Another area of concern is the Mansion House Hill, which is the Route 209 connection of the township with Jim Thorpe borough.Both locations have been the scene of serious - and even fatal - accidents.Barnes said, "One task or goal in 2010 that I want to see accomplished is a definite increase in self motivated traffic/vehicle code enforcement by my officers. I think all can agree that traffic safety issues in Mahoning Township are paramount and I consider it a priority and it will be for 2010."He added, "As a whole in 2009, the department did not do anything near what we should have been doing in the arena of traffic safety - traffic/vehicle code enforcement. There were many reasons why and this is going to change in 2010. I'm letting the public know now that we are definitely increasing our efforts in 2010."A list compiled by Barnes of priorities is as follows:• Beginning January 16, enforcement of red light violations at the Normal Square light,• Speeding violations, careless driving violations, reckless driving violations, illegal passing violations on the Mansion House Hill. "What is taking place on a daily basis without a doubt needs to be addressed and corrected via enforcement," said the police chief.• Expired inspection and or expired inspection/emission violations,• Illegal window tint violations. Barnes said he will look into the purchase of a tint meter.• Speed violations along Route 443 and in particular from the Normal Square light to the West Penn Township border,• Stop sign violations at Route 902 and Mill Road,• Mahoning Elementary school zone violations,• Speeding violations on Route 902 between the border with Lehighton Borough and Mill Road.• Red light violations at the Carbon Plaza Mall light.• Commercial truck safety violations,• Stop sign violations in the Jamestown section of the township.• Seat belt violations,"And any others that the police department deems necessary or through complaints needs action," he added.He stated, "I not only solicit but encourage the public to contact the police department at 570-386-2241 for any traffic safety concerns they may have and suggestions for areas of enforcement.The police department has three new part-time officers on staff, Barnes said. They are Daniel Magarelli of Palmerton, and Tyler Meek and Daniel Long, both of Lehighton.He said once the new officers have completed their field training and Department orientation process, they will be available for patrol and traffic safety assignments.