ORDER OF CITY COUNCILLOR JOHN M. TOBIN, JR

WHEREAS: Speeding is an issue of constant concern to residents in and around Boston neighborhoods; and

WHEREAS: A study done in 1993 in Riverside, California found radar speed display boards to be an effective traffic calming measure, prompting drivers to reduce their speeds an average of 5.8 miles per hour where the posted speed limit was 25 miles per hour; and

WHEREAS: Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy, and many radar speed display boards are manufactured to be compatible with solar panel equipment; and

WHEREAS: The Boston Police Department currently uses mobile speed display trailers, but the City of Boston does not utilize any permanent displays; and

WHEREAS: Other cities and towns in the state of Massachusetts use radar speed display boards and are satisfied with the results of their use; Therefore be it

ORDERED: That the appropriate Boston City Council committee conduct a hearing to consider the practicality of the City of Boston purchasing and using permanent, solar-powered radar speed display boards in an effort to reduce speeding in our neighborhoods, and that the appropriate city officials and members of the public be invited to attend.

Filed in City Council: Wednesday, August 24, 2005