Changes to Traffic in Altus Air Force Base housing Published June 9, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- To reduce traffic and maintain safety in base housing, around Rivers Elementary and the youth center, the 97th Security Forces Squadron is limiting the use of the Jasmine Gate. "These changes are being made because of some concerns parents relayed during town hall meetings," said Senior Master Sgt. Kyle Williams, 97th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent. The following are authorized to use the Jasmine Gate (housing): Residents of base housing School employees Parents dropping off or picking up children at school/youth center Youth center employees Balfour Betty employees Taxis delivering residents to base housing Guests and visitors of housing residents Currently, gate guards are briefing those entering the Jasmine Gate about the upcoming change. In the near future, personnel not meeting the above criteria may be refused entry and redirected to the main gate. These new measures will continue in the fall, alleviating traffic congestion and safety concerns when the new school year begins. "No firm date (to start redirecting traffic) has been established as of yet, but will be forthcoming once (the rules) have been socialized well with the base populace," said Williams. Additionally, the Wing is working with Balfour Beatty Community managers to have speed bumps installed on a couple of major thoroughfares of the housing area. Security forces will be increasing speed enforcement actions as well. Penalties for speeding in housing include points on one's base driving record. Exceeding the speed limit by 11 miles per hour or more will create a request to suspend the driver's on-base driving privileges for 30 days or more. "If a member is caught driving on base while their driving privileges are suspended an additional two-year revocation will be added onto their original suspension," said Carter Fanning, 97th Security Forces Squadron security assistant, reports and analysis. To find out more about the changes to traffic in housing, call Senior Master Sgt. Williams, 481-6742.