The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About0472.093September 2, 1993 THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL Palo Alto, California Mobile Rlld~_';-Display Unit Members of the Council: Report ira Brief This is a~ informational report a~~ no Council action i~ required. The Police Department recently purchased a mobile radar display unit, which will be used in attempts to reduce speed levels at different locations throughout the City. The purpose of this report is to inform the Council about the purchase and the intended use of the unit. Discussion Speeding vehicles pose a threat to public safety and a~e frequently the cause of serious accidents. h1f'.ile actual officer visibility 3nd enfo~ce~ent efforts assist in lowering speed levels, public education and heightened a~areneS5 are also necessary_ To as~ist in those efforts, the Police Department recently purchased a mobile radar display unit. This unit reads the speed of oncoming vehicles with a high quality radar unit and displays the vehicle's speed in 12-inch reflective digits that are clearly visible to the driver. 'l'he unit is easily transported to any locat"i.on, as it is installed on a trailer. It requires the equivalent of one parking space and is powered by a silent so~ar rechargeable 5ystem~ Because it has some unique built-in security and anti-theft features, the unit may be left unattended during operation, thus free.ing off ieers to concer,trate on other areas of the City. It is important to note that this unit is not a photo radar system, and speeding citations 'Will not be issued as the result of its use~ Police Department staff plans on using the unit at different times and locations throughout the City and, in parti~ular, those areas brought to starf's attention by members of the public~ CMR: 472 :93 Page 'l""JO Similar radar display units used by other police departn'lents have been fou~d to be effective in raducinq speeds. Staff anticipates si"milllr r~5ults. Respectfully submitted~ ~EZ / Traf~c Lieute~a ~~IJr£A- L :E JOHNSON Assistant police Chief CMR:472:93 a CL __ CHRIS DURI(IN Police Chief