AGENDA #3b
BUDGET WORKING PAPER
TO: W. Calvin Horton, Town Manager
FROM: George Small, P.E., Director of Engineering
SUBJECT: Report on Electronic Speed Monitors
DATE: April 2, 2003
The purpose of this working paper is to provide information on several types of speed monitors.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
At its February 12, 2003 Budget Work Session, the Town Council requested information on different types of electronic speed monitors, including associated costs.
Typically, electronic speed monitoring units are either trailer mounted or pole mounted, with standard and/or solar power sources. The following provides information about typical speed monitoring units in each category:
Trailer Mounted Speed Monitors: A trailer mounted speed monitor is the most common all-purpose unit found in this country. Trailer mounted speed monitors are usually battery powered and may include a solar powered charger. These radar units typically can detect monitored vehicular speeds from 5 to 99 mph, and can display the detected speeds in reflective/lighted numerals. The displays are sometimes supplemented with strobe lights.
The cost of atypical trailer mounted speed monitoring unit varies from $5,500 to $7,000. The Town Police Department has two trailer mounted speed monitors, and they are used on collector and arterial streets throughout Town as an advisory device to call drivers’ attention to their speed. Please see Attachment #1 for examples of trailer mounted speed monitoring units.
Pole Mounted Speed Monitors: Pole mounted radar speed monitors typically have a two-digit red or amber light emitting diode (LED) display board that can show monitored vehicular speeds from 5 to 99 mph. Units are available with displays using digits as large as 20 inches in height. Depending on the unit size, they can be mounted to existing lighting poles, power poles, bridges, or custom mounts specific to the units. Pole mounted speed monitors often use battery/solar for primary power, but may also be connected to a permanent power source with a battery backup in the unit. These units can be supplemented with strobe lights and/or audible warning devices.
The cost of a typical pole mounted speed monitoring unit varies from $5,700 to $6,000. The Town does not presently own or use any of these units. Please see Attachment #2 for examples of pole mounted speed monitoring units.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Pictures of Trailer Mounted Speed Monitors (p. 2).
2. Pictures of Pole Mounted Speed Monitors (p. 4).
Pictures of Trailer Made Speed Monitors
Pictures of Trailer Made Speed Monitors
Pictures of Pole Mounted Speed Monitors
Pictures of Pole Mounted Speed Monitors
