Middletown Considering Solar Speed Limit Warning Signs that Can Text Cops

MIDDLETOWN, RI—New electric speed warning signs could be coming to Middletown—along with the capability of police getting text alerts if someone blows by one of the signs.

Electric signs that clock the driver's speed are nothing new, usually displaying a driver's current speed, flashing when it's above the limit. They also have a feature many motorists may find surprising, according to Shawn Brown, Middletown's Town Administrator.

The signs can send text messages to the police to let officers know about speeders. In advance, the police can establish "triggers" that would cause the system to send an alert. For example, if someone rocketed down Paradise Avenue at 65 mph. A black and white could be waiting at a strategic spot, with an officer ready to write a ticket.

Brown said the so-called Drive Feedback Signs are solar-powered and can send text messages because they are connected to the internet.

At Monday night's Town Council meeting, Brown recommended that the town buy 10 signs at $5,000 each. The money would come from the $50,000 not used when the town decided not to build a roundabout at Forest Avenue and Airport Road, he said.

Two signs would be immediately installed on the west end of Forest Avenue. The other signs could go on Paradise Avenue and other locations, Brown told Town Council members.

Brown said he would bring a list of potential locations at an upcoming council meeting.

Jamestown has used the electronic signs successfully to calm traffic, he said.

"It does help correct speed," he said, indicating that studies show drivers reduce speed by an average of five to 10 percent when they see the signs.

Councilwoman Theresa Santos asked police Chief Anthony Pesare if, in reality, as one of her constituents told her, most of the Forest Avenue speeders are also Forest Avenue residents.

Probably, the chief said. According to most traffic studies police have conducted, it's been the residents who are speeding. Typically, people rush leaving for work in the morning and coming home at night.

If the same applies here, he said, the police can patrol the trouble spots during rush hour.

Santos also asked Brown to notify the residents and the airport that the town plans to hike fees for speeding.

The councilors voted unanimously to receive Brown's memo, allowing him to take the next steps, which will include consulting the police chief.