LA PALMA

The Police Department hopes to stem an increase in traffic-related problems by using more motorcycles to enforce traffic laws. The department is requesting $39,000 from the City Council tonight to hire another officer and to buy a motorcycle and equipment.

The program would normally cost $77,000 a year, but only $39,000 is needed to fund it for 2 1/2 months until the new fiscal year. The funds are coming from the Public Safety Augmentation Fund, generated by a statewide half-cent sales tax.