Speeding has caught the attention of Councilmen Vincent Gebhart, D-Ward 9 and Ed Ladouceur, D-Ward 5 and each has designated a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funds allotted to council members by Mayor Frank Picozzi to do something about it.

In a press release Gebhart said he has asked that solar radar speed signs be installed on Diamond Hill  and Cowesett Roads and Love Lane.

“These state-of-the-art speed control devices aim to create safer roadways while promoting responsible driving behaviors, and their effectiveness is backed by data,” Gebhart said. He added that “the signs are designed to display the speed of approaching vehicles to drivers and capture data that can help law enforcement agencies and city officials make informed decisions regarding traffic control and safety measures.”

Ladouceur is concerned by speeding on Warwick Neck Avenue that was a topic raised at the recent annual Warwick Neck Improvement Association meeting.  Residents also reported late night drag racing on the road although Warwick Police had no current records of complaints. At the time, the traffic division reported 95 citations had been issued since the beginning of the year.  The speed limit on Warwick Neck Avenue is 25 MPH, however, as Ladouceur notes that can be difficult to maintain without braking while driving north and down hill.

William Facente, Director of Community Development who is serving as the point person for the projects selected by council members, said the city received a bid for the purchase of 8 speed signs with a total cost of $28,976. Wards 5 and 9 will each get four of the signs.  Mayor Picozzi set aside $200,000 in ARPA funds to each of the nine council members  to be projects in their wards.

Mayor Picozzi said Tuesday he favors acquiring more of the signs.  He has made the reduction of speeding throughout the city a priority.

Citing the benefits of the signs, Gebart said they have proven to reduce speeding on roads where they are installed; raise driver awareness by displaying real-time speeds and  encourage  self-regulation and safer driving habits.

“Studies have shown that such devices lead to a noticeable drop in speeding violations,” he said.