East Lyme — First Selectman Mark Nickerson announced last week that he is inviting all interested citizens to join a newly formed Traffic Advisory Council at its first meeting Sept. 23.

The council, Nickerson said, was recently created after a group of concerned residents approached him voicing safety concerns following an accident that left an elderly pedestrian seriously injured in July.

The council will find “creative ways to promote safe driving habits in our town,” Nickerson wrote in a news release, while also developing a public awareness campaign reminding drivers to be more cautious and respectful while driving.

As part of the release, Nickerson also wrote, “We can post speed limit and stop signs and crosswalk warning signs, but if they are not obeyed, what’s the point? The East Lyme police force does a good job enforcing the traffic rules, but they can’t be everywhere.”

“People sometimes just need a reminder to slow down,” Nickerson wrote. “The truth is, every town in the country struggles with speeders. I am hopeful that an awareness campaign about speeding through town, encouraging people to be kinder, gentler to the neighborhoods that we pass through, might be effective.”

The council’s first meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. Sept. 23 at Town Hall, is open to all. Anyone with questions can call the first selectman’s office at (860) 691-4110.

— Mary Biekert