Slow Down! How Police Plan to Curb Speeding on Avon Roads.

The Avon finance board approved an Avon Police Department request Monday to use unassigned funds to pay for a portable traffic counter and two radar speed signs.

To do so will cost about $13,000 in reserve funds obtained through revenue from sources like construction projects and traffic enforcement on Route 44, according to town officials. 

"Currently, the department has the means to collect and analyze accident data, but lacks the means to collect and analyze data related to traffic volume, peak traffic periods, vehicle types, average speeds and other relevant data," Avon Police Chief Mark Rinaldo wrote in a memo to Town Manager Brandon Robertson. 

The speed radars and traffic counter will be rotated to different areas of concern in town.

"The traffic displays and counters will allow for the collection of data and give us the ability to properly address the many resident complaints concerning traffic and speeding," Rinaldo said. "Additionally, the speed display signs may serve as a deterrent to speeding on our roads."

As the first day of school approaches Aug. 29, Robertson said that the first one will likely go on the island at the entrance to Avon High School.

"It's a high visibility location  and with school back in session, it'll be a good reminder for all drivers to watch their speed," Robertson said. 

Other areas of interest include Country Club Road, Burnham Road and Scoville Road. Consulting firm Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. recently evaluated the roads due to the town's consideration of putting bicycle sharrows, or "shared lane markings," Rinaldo said. The consultant determined that traffic volumes and speeds were high on those roads, Robertson said. 

The consulting firm recommended in its report that the "Avon Police Department undertake an intensive speed enforcement campaign" on those roads, Rinaldo said.

The money to pay for the speed radars will come from the Police Special Services Fund, a non-lapsing account, not from the general fund, according to town officials.