speed monitoring technology goes hi-tech Slow down! That is the message sent via the Speed Sentry's digital display to motorists who travel the streets in the Village of Brockport. With the Speed Sentry, drivers can see their rate of speed, will hopefully take heed and take their foot off the gas. Motorists should also know that even when the device doesn't digitally display their rate of speed, chances are it is still measuring it. The device has a "stealth mode" setting that allows officers to still collect data without displaying the passing cars' rate of speed. The recent purchase of a fully portable speed sensing device has given village police officers the ability to set the un-manned device at various locations throughout the village, clock the speeds of passing motorists as well as collect data on peak traffic hours and number of vehicles traveling the roadways. Police Chief Daniel Varrenti said some of the data collected has been eye-opening. In a 30 mile per hour speed zone on East Avenue, officials have clocked vehicles going 66 mph with the average speed in that area being 35.7 mph. On Main Street, where the device is now mounted, the peak speed has topped out at 45 mph in the 30 mph zone with an average speed of 29.5 mph. Village officials credited Assemblyman William Reilich with helping them secure the funds for the purchase of the device. Varrenti explained, "I saw Mr. Reilich at one of our arts festivals and he said "if there is ever anything I can do for you ...' and the rest was history," Varrenti said. "I made a phone call and we worked with the Assemblyman to obtain the grant funds to purchase the device." Sergeant Mark Philippy was the one charged with researching speed displays and sensing devices suitable for Brockport's use. Numerous options were investigated, including the traditional "speed trailers" which cost in excess of $10,000 and come with inherent problems of maneuverability and the need to equip a police car with a towing hitch in order to move it around. "The idea behind a speed sensing device was to allow the department to record data regarding speeding patterns around the village," Varrenti said. "Once we collect that information we can better allocate patrol and enforcement resources to police those areas. It is a better us of our manpower." Reilich said the purchase was an example of different levels of government working together. "The power of this speed device goes far beyond the obvious," he said. "In addition to clocking speeds, it allows the police department to utilize manpower where it is most needed." Mayor Josephine Matela said members of the Walk! Bike! Brockport group were pleased with the purchase. "We think this will help slow traffic down and make Brockport more attractive to the walkers and bikers," she said. Merchants and residents were urged to contact the police department if they think they have "chronic" speeding problems on their streets. "We are gathering that information and will add the streets to our list of those to monitor," Varrenti said. |
