HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-08-28 - AGENDA REPORTS - PURCHASE OF PARET UNIT (2)AGENDA REPORT,
City Manager ApprovalC/
Item to be presented by�e
NEW BUSINESS John Medina
DATE: August 28, 1990
SUBJECT: PURCHASE OF A PARET UNIT/N
DEPARTMENT: Public Works OO
BACKGROUND
On February 13, 1990, the City Council reviewed a new motorist safety program
called Public. Awareness Radar Education Trailer (PARET). City council directed
staff to test a loan unit and return with an evaluation. The test was
successfully completed on July 26, 1990, and this report summarizes the results.
The PARET consists of a trailer -mounted radar unit with a large radar display
and the posted speed limit for the street mounted above the display. The unit
provides motorists with an instantaneous and continuous comparison of the lawful
speed limit and their actual speed. The overall objective of this program is to
reduce speeding, since excessive speed is the second most common cause of
injuries and fatal accidents.
The field test of the PARET unit was conducted on Orchard Village Road north and
south of Dalbey Avenue. The unit was- in operation for several hours.
Observations showed that with the proper placement of the unit, a majority of
drivers observed and reacted to the information it provided. Many drivers
visibly slowed to the appropriate speed limit after observing the. PARET Unit.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and staff agree that a PARET program
would be beneficial to the traffic law enforcement program from community
relations and safety standpoints. The program is relatively new and the units
must be specially constructed. The total estimated cost, including trailer
hitch modifications to patrol cars, is $6,000. The unit will require 6 to 8
weeks for delivery. The funds are available from contingency funds or from the
Public Safety budget.
It is recommended that City Council:
1. Authorize the allocation of $6,000.00 for the purchase of a PARET Unit.
2. Direct staff to purchase a PARET unit.
ATTACHMENT
Photographs of PARET unit APPROYED
KJ:gmm
Agenda Item:
f
Ii)•
,•��
(.I ti f to -
�
/ n
a+ ;
A
i
�y5