Rochester Hills, Michigan– Mayor Barnett is pleased to announce the installation of 26 high-tech radar speed signs designed to improve the safety of children and other pedestrians in school zones. With the launch of the program, Rochester Hills will have the single most comprehensive school safety zone program in Oakland County.
According to recent studies, the use of radar speed signs has proven to be one of the most valuable tools available for increasing the safety of those children that walk or ride their bicycle to school.
“Radar speed signs increase school zones safety by refocusing driver attention away from distractions and back to his or her current rate of speed,” states Captain Michael Johnson. “In this era of limited resources, the data we collect will allow us to become more effective and address the real acute speeders within the school safety zones and residential areas.”
There is a significant difference between the current signs being used today and the new speed signs coming to Rochester Hills. Using the latest trends in technology, the speed radar signs will collect data regarding traffic flow, such as the total number of cars using the street, average speeds at any given time of day, and number of speeding cars. This will allow the Oakland County Sherriff’s Office (OCSO) to better manage their limited resources within selective timeframes.
“The deployment of radar speed signs can have a dramatic impact on reducing traffic speeds, particularly near schools, playgrounds and on other residential streets,” states Mayor Bryan K. Barnett. “This is a big win for public safety in our community.”
The two locations currently installed are on Old Perch near West Middle School and on Hamlin Road near Hamlin Elementary. The remaining 11 locations have yet to be confirmed, but will be identified and installed over the course of the coming months.
“We will target school safety zones along major roads, and in residential subdivision collecting roads where there aren’t any sidewalks,” states Mayor Barnett.
The Radar Speed Safety Project is done in partnership with the OCSO, and made possible by the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant the city received from the U.S. Department of Justice. The city awarded J. Ranck Electric Company and Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. the project through a competitive bid process.
Established in 1984, the City of Rochester Hills is a prosperous community offering residents and businesses superior services. Voted one of the top places to live by several sources including CNN Money magazine and RelocateAmerica.com, Rochester Hills is committed to sustaining its position among the nation’s preeminent places to live, work and raise a family. Through the city’s focus on health, education and technology, the community continues to attract forward-thinking leaders and businesses.
About Tom and Ann Gendich