Residents Able to Request New Speed Trailer

Speeders on residential streets have another obstacle to look out for. Making its debut on May 25 in the 9100 block of Garber Road, a new solar-paneled speed trailer was deployed. The received the speed trailer in early May and spent about two weeks modifying it with graphics and a solar panel to allow for longer deployment periods.

After a residential radar enforcement request on Garber, the new unit was deployed on the street for a week in an attempt to slow down drivers prior to uniformed officers taking action. 

Crestwood Chief of Police Mike Paillou said that the device is educational and there are developing plans to rotate the unit throughout Crestwood neighborhoods. There is a section on the Crestwood city website where residents can make trailer requests.

“We will evaluate requests based on street, traffic volume, experience, etc. and prioritize the unit’s use,” Paillou said. “There is of course no charge to a resident. I would not foresee this in one spot for more than a week as a matter of routine.” 

The speed trailer records traffic data patterns regarding volume, date, time and speed. Data will assist police in deploying officers to address problem areas.

The trailer, which is highly visible, is designed to remind drivers to monitor their speed. Crestwood is a residential area with streets that see a multitude of pedestrians, bicycle traffic and children at play.

The Crestwood Police website states that in order to be a good witness in a speeding situation, gather as much descriptive information as possible and report the incident to the police department.

Speed trailer requests can be submitted via the Crestwood police department website for directed to Lt. Kevin Avery at kavery@ci.crestwood.mo.us or Officer Ed Bartelme at ebartelme@ci.crestwood.mo.us.