New Radar Signs Help Police Target Speeding 11/06/2007

Holly Springs police have a new tool for bringing the problem of speeding to light.

Four new solar-powered radar signs are being mounted on poles where speeding has been a particular problem. The first went up at the end of October on Oakhall Drive.

“They do effectively slow down traffic. We know that,” Police Chief John Herring said, adding the signs provide valuable data to help officers map out speed limit enforcement.

Using a hand-held computer, an officer can download information from a radar sign about the volume and speed of passing traffic. Time of day data enables police to pinpoint when drivers are speeding so the department can conduct enforcement most efficiently.

The pole-mounted signs have several advantages over the old speed detection trailers. The signs are safer since they're off the roadway. They look better and are less obtrusive than the trailers. Since the signs connect to solar panels, they don't have to be removed for battery recharging.

One use of the radar signs will be to document the need for speed humps or other traffic calming devices when residents request them for a particular street.

“We'll do a study to see if it meets the criteria – study volumes, speeds,” Herring said.

The $3,500 cost for a radar sign includes the solar panel and software.

The signs are portable, but not so easily moved as to be considered mobile. How long a sign stays at a location will depend on the specific reason for putting it there.

Herring said it is possible that the Town would install additional radar signs that neighbors pay for to help slow traffic where they live.

“If the neighborhood was interested,” he said, “we would talk with them about it.”

For more information, call the Holly Springs Police Department at (919) 552-7110.

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Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us