The City of Lakeland installed a radar speed sign Wednesday (10.23.19) to reduce speeding on Canada Road.
But during a downpour this morning (10.26.19), many vehicles were surpassing the 35 mph speed zone in the sloshing rain.
For those who passed the sign UNDER the 35 mph speed, a “thank you” message flashed on the screen along with the car’s speed at passage. For those exceeding the speed limit, “slow down” was flashed.
Mid-morning today the speeds ranged from 43 to 27 mph during a 30-minute time period. The average speed was 35.8 mph during this period with 27 cars registering over the speed limit, 17 under and 5 exactly at the posted 35 mph limit.
Alejandra Arriaga, staff engineer for Lakeland, said the Evolis Radar Speed Sign was purchased from ElanCity, a traffic calming device company, last month for $3,450.
“The mobile sign has a detection range of 1,000 feet and displays customized messages in conjunction with the driver’s speed. The radar speed sign also allows the City of Lakeland to collect traffic data and analyze it through software included with the purchase. The City is expecting to purchase another radar speed sign next year to install in another area of Lakeland.”
Emily Harrell, city engineer, said this sign will likely stay at that Canada Road location which is north of I-40.
Commissioner Wesley Wright said he floated the idea over a year ago and expressed interest again in February. “I made a post (on social media) in March showing options.
“An increase in accidents this year on Canada Road displayed the need for more effort beyond SCSO (Shelby County Sheriff’s Office) presence, something more permanent,” he said.
“Emily Harrell, the city engineer, fit this device into the budget and as of this week we have something that we hope will increase awareness of the speed limit and reduce speeds. Next year we look to add more of these devices in other areas where they are needed such as Fletcher Trace Parkway and Seed Tick Road, but not limited to those locations.”
Commissioner Wright said the devices are solar-powered and the $3,450 price is the total cost. “So, a wise investment. I am requesting a monthly report be submitted for BOC (Board of Commissioner) meetings. The first should be in December, I am curious to see the findings.”
… Photos by Jim Willis, Lakeland Currents
