Photograph by Robert Scheer
Speed radar indicator on Reid Avenue in Saratoga.
By Julie Mehta
The large green numbers of a radar trailer are hard to miss, even when barreling down a residential street at 50 mph. The city of Saratoga hopes that by setting up its speed-tracking system on various problem streets, it can make people more aware of speed limits.
Last week, after a couple of trials on Saratoga Avenue, the city kicked off its plan of setting up the trailer on 25 streets where officials have received complaints about speeding. At this point, it serves only as a bold reminder of the law, but the city plans to work in conjunction with the sheriff's department to eventually make it an enforcement tool, says Gary Enriquez, the city's street supervisor. It is not the same as the photo radar equipment used to ticket people who run red lights in many large cities.
The city purchased the trailer in January 1995 for $10,300. Since then, Enriquez says the trailer has been set out a few times to see how well it functions with its solar power source and to see if it would be vandalized. So far, there have been no problems.
The Public Safety Commission had considered suggesting the city purchase the computer system that goes with the trailer, but learned its data could not be used for speed surveys the city is required by law to complete.
Currently, the device is used only in an advisory capacity. As a car approaches, the white trailer displays a readout of its speed. It is usually placed next to a speed limit sign so drivers can instantly compare the posted speed to their actual speed.
The trailer will be used on a different city street each day between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, April 17, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved