Lower speed on the radar

A NEW radar-activated message sign is helping put the brakes on speeding on local roads.
Council plans to deploy the variable message sign (VMS) at speeding hotspots across the shire to remind lead-footed drivers to slow down on council’s road network.
It’s an initiative funded by the Queensland Government Community Road Safety Grants Program.
Kauri Street at Cooroy is the sign’s first stop. It was chosen due to recent complaints about vehicles speeding past the street’s childcare centres and dance school.
Project officer Joanna Ferris said every kilometre over the speed limit increased the risk of tragedy, particularly in areas where children were out and about and crossing roads.
“The beauty of these signs is that they are mobile so we can move them around council’s road network at the request of police, or in response to calls from the community,” she said.
Speeding vehicles trigger the VMS to display the speed limit, the vehicle’s speed, and a message urging the driver to slow down.
“We know from other councils’ experience that they do help reduce speeding,” Ms Ferris said.
A recent evaluation by Brisbane City Council found that such signs were effective in slowing around 40 per cent of speeding vehicles.
“At Kauri Street, we’ve tailored the message to remind speeding drivers that they’re putting children’s lives at risk.”
VMS signs use LED technology and solar power, making them a great addition to road safety, and one that supports council’s zero emissions target.