Supply fears prompt gas runs
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on September 2, 2005 1:47 PM
If you are going to the pumps to gas up, be patient and prepared to wait, city officials are telling residents.
Goldsboro police Chief Tim Bell said although there have not been major problems at the pumps, shortage concerns have caused stress and ignited tempers.
"One of the problems we are having is extremely long lines at gas stations," he said.
Because of the lines that sometimes back up into traffic, officers are having to be pulled away from patrols, the chief said.
"(Thursday), we were out directing traffic on Wayne Memorial Drive," he said.
In addition to the traffic tie-ups, Bell said residents have also had some issues with each other, requiring officer response, although there have not been any serious confrontations.
"We have already had some ill temper calls from people in grocery store and gas station lines," Bell said.
The chief encouraged residents to be patient with each other, adding the city would be better-served if officers were patrolling the streets and responding to crime reports.