Monday, November 06, 2006

Residents in Cape Coral, Florida complained about speeders in their neighborhoods. Some vehicles were reported to be traveling at 50 or 60 mph or more in a 30 mph speed zone. Residents demanded action (including lowering speed limits) by local officials.

Lowering speed limits does not slow down speeders. Unreasonably low speed limits are commonly violated by most motorists according to the Florida Department of Transportation (I believe this is universally true).

Local (Cape Coral) police responded with their Neighborhood Speedwatch program, part of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. The Speedwatch program trains resident volunteers how to properly operate radar to monitor local streets (and residents). Three volunteers are required to operate a radar site, one volunteer to operate the radar, one volunteer records the license plate number, and another logs vehicle description. Police mail a letter a few days later to speeders (recorded by volunteers) reminding them to slow down. Speeders do not get a ticket (only police can issue tickets).

County (Lee County) police use safety radar ("Smart Machines") in problem residential areas instead of volunteers. Safety radars display (to drivers) drivers current speed.

CopRadar