Tyler Police Department will have additional officers on the street utilizing the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for the upcoming holidays. (Santana Wood/Tyler Morning Telegraph File)

As Smith County and City of Tyler offices prepare to close for Christmas and New Year’s, the Tyler Police Department will ramp up traffic enforcement, focusing on speeding, seatbelt violations and impaired driving.

With additional officers on the road, law enforcement aims to ensure a safe holiday season by deterring traffic violations and preventing accidents. Meanwhile, county and city services will be unavailable on select dates in observance of the holidays.

Smith County

Smith County non-emergency offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 24 to 25, to allow employees to spend time with family. The offices will also be closed Wednesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day.

The Smith County Commissioners Court will not meet Tuesday, Dec. 24, due to the holiday but will hold its regular meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, in the Commissioners Courtroom.

City of Tyler

City offices, including City Hall, will close for the holidays on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Wednesday, Dec. 25 and Wednesday, Jan. 1.

The Tyler Solid Waste office and Tyler Recycling Center will also be closed during the same days. However, residential garbage collection will remain on schedule, with no changes for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

Yard waste, including brush, tree limbs and leaves, will not be collected during the holiday week due to the higher volume of household garbage. Residents are reminded to place garbage carts out only after 6 p.m. the night before their scheduled collection day and remove carts by 6 a.m. the morning after pickup, in accordance with city ordinance.

The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will close its administrative offices on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Travelers should contact their airline for any changes to flight schedules.

The Tyler Public Library will close Dec. 24 to 26 and again on Jan. 1. For more information, the library can be reached at 903-593-7323.

Tyler Transit services, including Fixed Route, MicroTransit, Paratransit and the administrative office, will also close Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Route information can be found on the Tyler Transit website, TylerBus.org.

Other facilities closing for the holidays include the Municipal Court, Tyler Animal Services, Gallery Main Street and Tyler Parks and Recreation offices, including the Glass Recreation Center and the Goodman Le-Grand Museum. The Tyler Rose Garden will be closed Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, but special evening hours will be offered for the Holiday Lights display from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. until Dec. 23 and again Dec. 26 to 30.

Tyler Water Utilities will close the Water Business Office on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The kiosk at the drive-through remains available for 24/7 payment, and other payment options include drop boxes and online services.

Traffic enforcement

The Tyler Police Department will increase traffic enforcement over the New Year’s holiday, focusing on high-traffic areas. Officers will target speeding, seatbelt violations, running red lights, distracted driving and driving while intoxicated.

“The safety of everyone remains a priority as they enjoy holiday events and festivities,” said Chief Jimmy Toler. “We will work to deter drinking and driving, speeding, and distracted driving.”

The department received a Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEPs) grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to fund overtime for enhanced enforcement efforts, aimed at reducing fatalities, accidents and injuries. The grant will support efforts to enforce traffic laws, including those against impaired driving.

TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign encourages people to stay safe by avoiding alcohol consumption before driving. Officers urge residents to designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or find alternative transportation if they plan to drink this holiday season.

In case of emergencies, residents are reminded to call 911 or reach the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 for non-emergencies.