Driver Feedback Signs in Sherwood Park
Strathcona County has purchased five driver-speed feedback signs – one for each of the five urban wards. The signs alert motorists of their speed. Built-in radar is used to determine the speed of an oncoming vehicle which is then displayed on a lighted board. Only vehicle speeds between a site specific minimum and maximum limit will be displayed.
FortisAlberta has agreed to let the County use their light standards to mount the signs and accompanying solar panels.
Signs will be placed mid-block on a collector road (such as Nottingham Boulevard, Alder Avenue and Jim Common Drive) in each ward for a period of eight weeks. The first two weeks the sign will be in stealth mode. It will appear that the sign is not working when in fact it is gathering speed data on passing cars. For weeks three to six, the display will be activated. During the final two weeks, the sign will once again be programmed to stealth mode. This will give traffic engineers information on whether the speed being displayed makes a difference to drivers’ speeds. Signs will also be placed in school and playground zones.
Pilot project update
Analysis of the data on the driver speed feedback signs placed on different roadways within neighbourhoods, on a rotating and irregular basis, decrease the overall speeds for a limited period of time. On average 72 per cent of motorists correct their speed once they see the sign. The County will continue to examine new and innovative ways to use these signs.
Further information
Transportation and Agriculture Services
780-417-7100
transportationandagriculture@strathcona.ab.ca
Last updated: Thursday, August 18, 2011
Page ID: 6125