Sherburne County Citizen | November 29, 2010
Following the Becker Police Dept.’s concerns of speeding in the area of the schools, Street Supervisor Joe Danielson placed a radar-controlled speed display sign along Bradley Blvd. to the north of the middle and high schools. The sign faces east.
“The sign is there to put people on notice that we are watching and drivers need to be aware of their speeds and to slow down,” says Police Chief Brent Baloun. “Especially around the schools, we need people to pay more attention to their speeds and keep their eyes on the road.”
The sign will register the speeds of vehicles traveling along that section of road, which has a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour. The speed display sign will remain on location for as long as law enforcement deems necessary, but one of the advantages of the new sign system is that it is portable. Mounting brackets will be installed at several locations over the next several months throughout the city to accommodate quick put up and take down of the unit.
The radar speed limit units that have vehicle speeds displayed are there so drivers can check their speedometer with the readout. Generally these signs are posted in an area in which there is a problem or could be prone for problems, and local law enforcement is attempting to get drivers to be more aware of their speed. The signs are also put in places where drivers tend to speed, and it’s an attempt to get them to slow down.
The police will also provide patrols in the area to ensure motorists obey the posted speed limit. The speed signs also can be modified to include providing law enforcement with traffic counts, average speeds and even send out a strobe light identifying excessive speeds as a vehicle approaches.
The sign cost approximately $4,500 and was paid for by the donations of the Eddy Foundation and Xcel Energy.
“The police department is very happy that the Eddy Foundation and Xcel Energy are long-time, proud supporters of public safety in our community,” said Baloun. “We certainly thank them for their generosity in helping to make this project happen.”
