just dug this up
http://www.ci.akron.oh.us/News_Releases/2005/0909.html
Date:
Contact:
September 9, 2005
Mark Williamson (willima@ci.akron.oh.us)
Phone: 330-375-2538
Fax: 330-375-2335
CITY PROTECTS CHILDREN WALKING TO SCHOOL
NEW SPEED ENFORCEMENT TECHNIQUE IN AKRON
Akron’s school children and their crossing guards will have a helper soon in the battle to keep children safe on their journeys to and from school. The City of Akron is proposing the use of a mobile, automated speed enforcement technology to slow down drivers in and around school zones.
"This is not," said Mayor Don Plusquellic, "the controversial red-light system other cities are using or contemplating."
The City refers to it as the Automated Mobile Speed Enforcement System (AMSES). A company called Nestor Traffic has offered Akron its Poliscan Speed® system at no cost for the technology or equipment. The only cost will be a payment to Nestor by the City of $19 per ticket issued through use of the laser radar (LIDAR) device.
The system uses a van with a camera mount. The digital camera scans three lanes of traffic 100 times per second in two different directions. Information is sent to a computer for the issuance of a citation later.
Akron City Councilman-at-Large John Conti has been exploring methods of slowing speeders on city streets for more than two years and said at an afternoon news conference with the mayor today, "What we are buying is a service. I have been advocating this program since earlier this summer after seeing it in action. It acts both as a deterrent and an enforcement device that does not take police officers out of their normal patrols to run radar."
As motorists pass the Poliscan device, their speed is determined and a camera records the front and rear license plates. A ticket is issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.
Legislation sponsored by Conti would amend the City Traffic Code by enacting civil penalties for violations of the AMSES. Currently it is a criminal offense for anyone to speed in a school zone. But, because these infractions would be considered civil violations, motorists would incur no points on their driver’s licenses.
Violators will be assessed a civil penalty of $150 in a designated school zone during restricted hours for speed recorded between 21 and 34 mph and under 35 mph. For violators doing 35 mph or more, the fine escalates to $250.
The system will also be set up outside designated school zones in areas where children walk to school.
Conti explained that City Council’s role is to consider the legislation establishing these as civil violations. "We also will be setting up an appeals process for motorists who wish to contest their citations," said Conti. "The process would involve an independent third party, not employed by the APD."
Police officers are not involved in the process. Nestor Traffic provides the equipment, technology and clerical work in recording violations and mailing citations.
Mayor Plusquellic added, "The Automated Mobile Speed Enforcement System will alleviate the need for our conducting extensive conventional traffic enforcement in and around school zones."
After a three month trial period with the Poliscan Speed® device, the City will issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for other companies who may want to compete to provide the service on an ongoing basis.