Regarding the Mayor's Report in the Sept. 25, 2003 edition of the Garden City Life, which dealt with the enforcement of the speed limit in Garden City, I feel that the police do a great job on the main roads, such as Rockaway Avenue or Stewart Avenue, which is where most of the speeding in Garden City probably occurs.

However, I am more concerned about speeding on the more residential side streets of the village where there is more pedestrian traffic, including children playing. Increasing police patrols in these areas should be considered.

The police would have more opportunities to catch speeders if they did not have to waste their valuable time enforcing the law requiring head-in parking in Garden City. Is there a rational reason why Garden City requires head-in parking? This law forces drivers to back into a lane of traffic, pedestrian and vehicular, with their visibility often totally obstructed by vans or SUVs that are impossible to see around. I believe that any reason for instituting and maintaining this parking requirement is outweighed by the increased danger that it causes. Garden City should reconsider this parking law for safety considerations and to better utilize our fine police force.

Stephen Blicharski