Carefree Truth
Issue #643, May 7, 2018
Gary Neiss reported that the Town has received complaints from numerous residents about speeding traffic and lack of enforcement along Carefree's arterial roads. Speed radar signs are one technique that has proven to be effective. More than just a sign to show drivers their speed, it also informs the decision makers by collecting data on speeds and the percentile of the speed limits being exceeded. It also date stamps the information and provides traffic counts. The data can be shared with law enforcement to more effectively target areas needing enforcement. It is simple, yet powerful and useful technology.
Issue #643, May 7, 2018
Gary Neiss reported that the Town has received complaints from numerous residents about speeding traffic and lack of enforcement along Carefree's arterial roads. Speed radar signs are one technique that has proven to be effective. More than just a sign to show drivers their speed, it also informs the decision makers by collecting data on speeds and the percentile of the speed limits being exceeded. It also date stamps the information and provides traffic counts. The data can be shared with law enforcement to more effectively target areas needing enforcement. It is simple, yet powerful and useful technology.
4 signs were being proposed. The 2 suggested locations on the west side of Carefree are Cave Creek Road going southbound into the residential section, and north of the intersection of Carefree Highway and Cave Creek Road going northbound into the residential area. On the east side of town, concerns have also been raised about speeding traffic approaching the pedestrian crossing zones around the town center on Tom Darlington Drive and on Cave Creek Road. Suggested locations are on Tom Darlington Drive by Bloody Basin Road coming into town where the speed limit drops from 35 mph to 30 mph, and on Cave Creek Road eastbound just below Bloody Basin, where the speed limit drops from 35 mph to 30 mph.
Councilwoman Cheryl Kroyer noted that there are large signs and flashing lights at the crosswalk on Tom Darlington Drive. But on Cave Creek Road, there are only small crosswalk signs. She said she and her neighbors have difficulty crossing the street. The cars don't tend to stop for pedestrians. Mr. Neiss said he is in the process of evaluating rapid reflector bars for the crosswalks on Cave Creek Road and is getting quotes on buying and installing them in the upcoming fiscal year. Additional speed radar signs might also be considered.
Councilman Mike Krahe asked if the data is sent to the state to get approval to reduce the speed limits. Mr. Neiss replied that the decision is up to Carefree. Typically, a traffic consultant is hired to perform a traffic study. The last traffic study was done in 2008, at which time the Council didn't believe that a 5 mph speed reduction on Cave Creek Road was warranted. Dr. Krahe felt this was a good first step, and wanted to make sure that the Town followed through.
Councilman Farrar said he hadn't seen an associated map with the locations, and asked if the speed radar signs would all be placed on Tom Darlington Drive. Mr. Neiss brought the slide back up on the projector showing the map, and repeated his previous explanation of the locations.
Quotes for 4 solar powered radar signs were received. ElanCity was $10,970. Tapco Safe Travels was $11,345. Traffic Logic was $14,210. Tapco and Traffic Logic provide varying degrees of data service for additional monthly fees. ElanCity data is accessed through Blue Tooth with no additional costs. Once ordered, delivery would take 4-6 weeks. Carefree's Public Works Department would install the equipment after Blue Staking the sites. The money would come from the 2017/18 fiscal year contingency fund. Litchfield Park has used these signs from ElanCity and found them useful and effective.
Councilman Gene Orrico noted that they are solar, so there is no need for electricity. Mr. Farrar said, "So, what happens on a rainy day?" Mr. Neiss explained that the energy is stored in batteries which need to be replaced every 3-4 years. That is the only maintenance required. Vice Mayor John Crane said the signs work 24/7, giving the Town tools and information with which to work. He asked if there are any expenses other than the hardware. Mr. Neiss said poles on which to install the signs would have to be purchased but that the cost of the poles in nominal. Mayor Les Peterson said he read in the literature that the signs have proven effective in reducing speeds 15-20%.
Ms. Kroyer asked if 2 more signs could be added. She said that the traffic speeding through town, especially in the morning, was amazing, and that she never sees a MCSO deputy there. Mr. Farrar agreed. Mayor Peterson asked if there is money available in the contingency fund this year to pay for 2 additional signs. Mr. Neiss confirmed that there is. Mr. Orrico said he knew Mr. Neiss would "beat them up on price". Mr. Neiss said 20% was the best discount he could get.
https://vimeo.com/263619282
The Council unanimously approved the purchase of 6 speed radar signs from ElanCity.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Councilman Mike Krahe asked if the data is sent to the state to get approval to reduce the speed limits. Mr. Neiss replied that the decision is up to Carefree. Typically, a traffic consultant is hired to perform a traffic study. The last traffic study was done in 2008, at which time the Council didn't believe that a 5 mph speed reduction on Cave Creek Road was warranted. Dr. Krahe felt this was a good first step, and wanted to make sure that the Town followed through.
Councilman Farrar said he hadn't seen an associated map with the locations, and asked if the speed radar signs would all be placed on Tom Darlington Drive. Mr. Neiss brought the slide back up on the projector showing the map, and repeated his previous explanation of the locations.
Quotes for 4 solar powered radar signs were received. ElanCity was $10,970. Tapco Safe Travels was $11,345. Traffic Logic was $14,210. Tapco and Traffic Logic provide varying degrees of data service for additional monthly fees. ElanCity data is accessed through Blue Tooth with no additional costs. Once ordered, delivery would take 4-6 weeks. Carefree's Public Works Department would install the equipment after Blue Staking the sites. The money would come from the 2017/18 fiscal year contingency fund. Litchfield Park has used these signs from ElanCity and found them useful and effective.
Councilman Gene Orrico noted that they are solar, so there is no need for electricity. Mr. Farrar said, "So, what happens on a rainy day?" Mr. Neiss explained that the energy is stored in batteries which need to be replaced every 3-4 years. That is the only maintenance required. Vice Mayor John Crane said the signs work 24/7, giving the Town tools and information with which to work. He asked if there are any expenses other than the hardware. Mr. Neiss said poles on which to install the signs would have to be purchased but that the cost of the poles in nominal. Mayor Les Peterson said he read in the literature that the signs have proven effective in reducing speeds 15-20%.
Ms. Kroyer asked if 2 more signs could be added. She said that the traffic speeding through town, especially in the morning, was amazing, and that she never sees a MCSO deputy there. Mr. Farrar agreed. Mayor Peterson asked if there is money available in the contingency fund this year to pay for 2 additional signs. Mr. Neiss confirmed that there is. Mr. Orrico said he knew Mr. Neiss would "beat them up on price". Mr. Neiss said 20% was the best discount he could get.
https://vimeo.com/263619282
The Council unanimously approved the purchase of 6 speed radar signs from ElanCity.
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.