AUTHORITES CRACK DOWN ON SPEEDING DRIVERS IN CANYON COUNTRY.

Byline: Stacy Brown Daily News Staff Writer

A special enforcement detail of officers ticketed 116 motorists in two days for speeding and lane violations on Sierra Highway and Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country, the California Highway Patrol said.

CHP Officer Doug Sweeney said the two roadways are popular with commuters hoping to avoid heavy traffic on the Antelope Valley Freeway.

``The violators have averaged 75 to 80 mph, and we had one that was going 89,'' Sweeney said Thursday.

Both are two-lane mountain roads, with one lane in each direction, he said, adding that some of the citations have been for passing over the solid, double-yellow line.

The posted speed limit on those roads is 55 mph.

Last month, a 10-officer special task force established to crack down on speeders and other unsafe drivers was unleashed in the area.

Led by Sgt. Steve Webb, the Community Enhancement Response Team is composed of officers from CHP stations throughout the county. The team's primary responsibility is to nab traffic violators.

``Our primary goal is to improve conditions wherever we go and it seems like this area is one of the more problematic,'' Webb said.

``We're taking a more proactive stance to cut down on the number of traffic collisions and injuries,'' said CHP Capt. Pete Mader, the commander of the Newhall-area office.

The team was formed a year ago to reinforce regular patrols, Mader said. Because just one officer is taken from a division, no extra funding is required and stations are not left shorthanded.

``This will be an ongoing effort,'' Sweeney said. Officials said officers have been impressed by the response community members have given the team.

``While making traffic stops, other motorists have honked their horns while giving the thumbs-up sign and others have just simply said, Good job!'' Sweeney said.