Traffic can be bad at almost any time throughout the year in Sevier County. The worse it is, though, the better it is for our local businesses. Congested roadways usually indicate people are coming here to enjoy our attractions and spend a little money.

If you’ve ever see the backups along Highway 66 and through the Parkway, you know how frustrating it can be for tourists and locals trying to get somewhere. Anything that can help the cause is welcome and appreciated. The city of Sevierville has added a feature that just may be a boost to the situation.

New cameras installed along Highway 66 are designed to let officials monitor traffic and make adjustments without always requiring the presence of a police officer. The cameras provide a 360-degree view of the busy highway. By watching what the cameras are picking up, officials at the police station can adjust signals and respond to traffic tie-ups more quickly. That means a smoother move through the city for the thousands of visitors who come here every week.

These are not red-light cameras, such as the ones throughout Knoxville. Those cameras are designed to capture people speeding or driving through red lights. If you’ve ever opened your mail to find photos of your traffic offense and a ticket for the wrong, you know how effective these camera lights can be.

But Sevierville is not looking to do that, and the cameras just installed are not set up to catch speeders or those who run lights. What has been installed are traffic control cameras, and it’s important to city officials that everyone understands that.

With Highway 66 undergoing widening for the next year or so, the city needs whatever tools it can come up with to help people to reach their destinations and not get caught in major traffic jams that only serve to irritate then as they begin their vacation getaway.

We want people to be happy as they arrive, during their stay and as they head home. It’s hard to do that considering how difficult it can be to move around this community on its most traveled roads, but the new cameras in Sevierville offer one way to make an adjustment that can improve the flow of cars.

Sevierville should be commended for taking this step.