Neighborhoods, school zones, construction sites, and dangerous roads could use a little assistance in promoting compliance with the speed limit.

With the help of the Riverbank Sheriff’s Department Traffic Division and the City of Riverbank’s Public Works Department, the Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART) is currently available for use.

This unit is a portable, self-contained speed display unit that is towed to sites experiencing speed-related problems. Specially designed radar is mounted inside the locked trailer, clocking speeds. Motorists see their speeds displayed on a highly visible LED (light emitting diode) display. The speed limit sign below the display reminds motorists to pay attention and ease up on the gas pedal. For those who refuse to take the hint, warnings and citations can be issued by an officer who may decide to wait up the street for those violators. As speed awareness goes up, motorists slow down, even after the unit is moved to a different location. With fewer speed-related accidents, said authorities, officer’s time is freed up, and they can concentrate their efforts on more emergent incidents. Plus citizens feel safer, which is what compliance with the speed limit is all about, safety.

The purpose of the Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer is to educate and remind the motoring public of the posted speed limits within designated zones.

Criteria for the SMART unit use will be as directed by the Chief of Police or Public Works Director or their designee. Officials may direct the use of the SMART unit in any zone or area deemed appropriate for deployment. An officer may also request the deployment of the SMART unit in any zone for safety reasons. A resident may make a request to the Police Department/Public Works for deployment of the SMART unit on their residential street with an application.

Applications may be obtained at the Police Department or City Hall.

The SMART unit will not be deployed in an area where no safe zone exists to park the unit.

Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Chief of Police/Director or their designee. Applications will be approved on a first come - first served basis, unless the Director/Chief of Police finds serious safety concerns in one application over others.

Deployment of the SMART unit will be for a maximum of five days unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police/Director.

If you are interested in placing this unit in your neighborhood, contact the Police Department (209) 869-7162 or the Public Works Department at (209) 869-7128.