10-year-old upset about cars speeding, writes mayor

DULUTH, Ga. — Neighbors in one Gwinnett County community said they are frustrated by drivers speeding through their subdivision.

"So immediately I knew this person had heard my State of the City," Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris said.

Harris told Channel 2’s Matt Belanger she receives hundreds of emails, but this one caught her attention.

"The letter was laid out perfectly,” Harris said.

Ten-year-old Parv Mahajan told Belanger he worries about safety when he and his sister ride bikes and cars speed by them on McClure Woods Drive. %

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"And I said what do you want to do about it and he said let me write to the mayor," mother Ruchi Mahajan said.

And he didn't just complain, he offered suggestions.

"Such as putting signs or maybe a speed hump,” Parv Mahajan said.

Harris alerted police, who stepped up patrols -- not exactly the politically popular thing to do.

"We decided it was all about safety so we did it." Harris said.

Since March first, police pulled over 94 drivers on the street for speeding.

"That was unexpected. To see that happen so fast." Ruchi Mahajan said.

Parv's letter also promoted these signs -- urging drivers to slow down.

Parv and his sister got a trip to City Hall and the Police Department.

"I was surprised that the mayor wanted to meet me." Parv Mahajan said.

And the satisfaction of making a difference.

"We've been teaching him to take initiative and I'm glad he did,” Ruchi Mahajan said.

"He's just a very articulate young man,” Harris said. "He may be mayor one day.”

The city is also researching the cost of installing speed humps in the neighborhood -- with possible plans to share the cost with the homeowner's association.

Cox Media Group