Benicia Police Have New Tool To Identify Problem Traffic Areas

The announced the purchase of a new solar powered radar trailer with message board.  The unit was purchased using state grant funds allotted to the department for purchasing equipment and cost about $8,000.

"This is an excellent example of how we are able to use non-city funds to purchase equipment that is of a great benefit to both the community and our department," said Benicia Police Lt. Mike Daley.

The radar trailer will be placed in areas where complaints have been received about speeding vehicles. In addition to displaying the vehicle speeds, the sign-board can be programmed to warn vehicles to slow down should they be traveling above the posted speed limit. The new radar trailer will enhance the Traffic Unit’s ability to help educate the motoring public prior to enforcement efforts by the police department.

On Saturday, February 25th, the radar trailer was put into service for the first time in the 500 block of Rose Drive.

The Benicia Police Department has received reports from area residents that vehicles are traveling above the posted 25 mph speed limit.

"The number one complaint the police department receives is usually about speeding vehicles," said Benicia Police Sergeant Frank Hartig. "If we can educate the motoring public, we can change their driving style and behavior". The radar trailer will remain in this location for approximately one week. 

The radar trailer has the ability to record and download the speeds of vehicles by date and time.  Traffic officers can use the data collected to determine if and when there may be a speeding issue in a certain neighborhood or area of the city.  The information will also be used to educate neighborhood residents as to the validity of the reported traffic problem.

With the solar power panels, there is no need to bring the trailer in to re-charge the internal battery pack. The solar power panel will allow the trailer remain at a location and not require an officer or police volunteer to be taken away from other duties to move the trailer everyday. 

According to Sgt. Hartig, "Ensuring the roadways are safe for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic is our main objective. We want to make sure our neighborhoods are safe for citizens that walk along the sidewalks as well as the motorists that are driving in our city."

Residents who believe drivers are speeding in their neighborhood and want police to place the new radar trailer on their street are encouraged to call the non-emergency dispatch line for their request at (707)745-3412, extension 1. Residents can also report these requests on line from the police department's home page by selecting "Click Here to Email the Police Department."

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.