You’ve likely noticed the newest speed-fighting sign that’s been posted in various high traffic areas. Police Chief David Towe obtained the sign and has been moving it to different locations to study the impact. In an online post showing-off the sign during the first week of February, Towe said, “By now I am sure you’ve seen this little gem out and about. It’s a mobile radar sign that can be placed wherever there is a bracket.” Towe said the signs were brought to his attention by City Councilor Jim Lewis who saw them while attending the recent League of Oregon Cities meeting in Portland.
Towe’s post continued, “These are pretty cool signs because not only do they display speed to slow drivers down but they also collect data as to number of cars, average speed, etc. This will allow us to better concentrate our speed control efforts where needed the most.”
In an effort to test the impact, city crews installed brackets in known trouble spots so the signs may be transported and easily installed.
With hopes of obtaining more signs, Towe tasked Police Officer Kayla Cutting with submitting a grant request for the purchase of two more signs. If reaction on the Jacksonville Review Facebook page is any indication, the city needs to purchase far more than two signs. The site was inundated with messages urging the police to install them in nearly every neighborhood in town. Residents not only responded online but in-person to Chief Towe, letting him know that the sign was making a “huge impact on speed in those areas.” Other feedback fielded by the Review suggested that the city purchase more speed signs despite the outcome of the grant request and simply pass the expense along to real estate developers and/or tap the General Fund. Stay tuned…and slow down!