SUNNYVALE BLANKETS CITY WITH RADAR SPEED SIGNS

SUNNYVALE, Calif. – The City of Sunnyvale has launched a program that will see 26 radar speed signs posted throughout the City. A key part of the City’s traffic-calming efforts, the digital signs will display the speed of approaching vehicles to drivers. Along with Department of Public Safety (DPS) traffic unit enforcement activities, the signs are designed to help reduce vehicle speeds.

“The safety of our residents – particularly in their neighborhoods – is an important part of our quality of life and a very high priority for our City Council,” said Sunnyvale Mayor Ron Swegles. “The expansion of the radar speed-signs throughout Sunnyvale will help raise motorists’ attention to their driving and create a safer environment.”

Scheduled for completion in October 2006, the $200,000 effort is being paid for through City funds. A total of 22 new signs are being erected to supplement the four existing signs. Sunnyvale officials are targeting residential areas and areas with large numbers of pedestrians – such as near schools – for radar sign installation.

City officials pointed out these signs utilize new technologies that expand their function beyond mere speed signs. The message board that normally displays a vehicle’s speed can in fact be remotely accessed by transportation officials and other messages, including emergency messages, can be sent to the signs for display. The signs also store the speed information gathered by its radar unit which can be collected and analyzed by the City to assist in future traffic calming and enforcement activities.