Radar Speed Signs
What is a Radar Speed Sign?
A Radar speed sign is an LED sign that displays a vehicle's speed as they approach the sign. The signs are solar powered, allowing them to be easily deployed in any location and they are mounted above existing posted speed limit signs.
In support of Vision Zero, the Region of Durham uses radar speed signs on Regional roads to improve driver awareness of speed limits and reduce aggressive driving. Research carried out by the Region and other external agencies have shown that radar speed signs are effective for about six to eight weeks at a time, when combined with police enforcement.
The signs will be installed in locations rotating throughout the Region such as hamlets, school zones, community safety zones.
Elantec Radar Speed Sign
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When vehicles are traveling at or below the posted speed limit, the Elantec speed sign displays your current speed in green and a smiley face.
- When vehicles are traveling above the posted speed the sign flashes your current speed in red with the word "Danger" below.
Trafficlogix Radar Speed Sign
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When vehicles are in compliance with the posted speed the sign displays your speed in yellow.
- When vehicles are not compliant, the speed is displayed in red.
Requesting a Radar Speed Sign
In order to request a radar speed sign, you must first confirm the location meets the Region's eligibility requirements.
- The requested location must be on a Regional Road.
- The device can only be placed on public property, such as a boulevard.
- The requested location cannot be close to a traffic signal or a stop sign facing oncoming traffic.
Submit your request for a radar speed sign
Some sites may be ineligible for a radar speed sign for reasons other then what's been listed above due to site specific conditions. Traffic Engineering and Operations staff will attempt to install signs at the suggested locations if they are found to be warranted, however, alternate sites may be considered if the location is not favourable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are sites selected? |
The Region of Durham has implemented a warrant process to determine the most suitable sites for radar speed sign installations. Sites are screened using a combination of traffic data, collision data, road characteristics and environmental factors. |
How do the signs work? |
Radar speed signs use radar detection to display the speed of oncoming vehicles. The sign is solar powered, allowing it to be easily deployed in any location. They are used as a traffic calming measure to slow down vehicles by giving warnings to approaching vehicles that are exceeding the posted speed limit. The signs collect speed and volume data which is transmitted through the cloud to the Region of Durham for further evaluation of the site. |
What do you do with the data collected from the signs? |
Speed and volume data is transmitted from the radar speed signs to the Region of Durham through cloud software. Data is analysed by regional staff to determine compliance levels to the posted speed limit. Durham Regional Police Services may be notified if compliance is low and provide extra enforcement in these sensitive areas. |
How do I request a radar speed sign? |
You can request a radar speed sign by submitting the online request form found HERE. Upon receipt by Regional staff, the location eligibility will be reviewed and if approved, the location will be added to our rotational sign program. |
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