Des Plaines upgrades its speed monitors

Des Plaines is installing six new speed radar signs to help police respond to chronic traffic problems at locations throughout town.

The police department recently purchased two large speed trailers and four portable and fixed speed monitors for about $64,000.

Two of the signs can display messages and snap photographs. Some of the equipment uses solar technology to activate displays.

The signs were purchased with a $12,000 Complete Streets grant, a $10,000 Illinois Department of Transportation grant and federal asset forfeiture funds.

The four portable and fixed signs will be stationed on streets of up to 35 mph. The two larger speed devices already are in use. Their locations likely won’t be publicized.

The new equipment allows police to download speed data almost instantly and transmit the information via Internet to the police department.

Police previously had to manually remove a flash drive from the devices and then download the information at the station.

The data will help police better address citizen traffic complaints, learn where and when cars speed, and determine if a squad car should be stationed at a particular street.