Uniontown police conduct speed traps in city
In an effort to slow traffic and ensure safer driving, Uniontown police conducted multiple speed traps in the city Thursday. Police Chief Jason A. Cox said four police officers worked on the traffic enforcement detail Thursday, setting speed traps on Morgantown, Fayette Street and Coolspring streets. “With this detail, we are using funds provided by the state for curbing aggressive driving, of which, speeding is definitely one of the focal points,” Cox said.
While a total number of cars stopped for speeding during the patrol were not available Thursday afternoon, Cox said that stoppages were “steady” throughout the day.
Cox said that the in addition to ensuring the safety of motorists, the detail is meant to also ensure the safety of pedestrians and property.
“Our goal is to curtail speeding to try and reduce the number of traffic collisions and to further ensure the safety of motorists and their passengers,” Cox said.
Jay Ofsanik, state Department of Transportation spokesman, said that the traps are an effective tool to help reduce crashes and are being implemented across the region to try and slow motorists.
“Several years ago, it was determined that a lot of crashes occur because of aggressive driving behaviors including speeding, tailgating, running stop signs and other behaviors,” Ofsanik said.
He said that that after realizing that federal money was available for increased enforcement, PennDOT was able to partner with area police departments such as Uniontown to conduct details to try and reduce aggressive behaviors.
“Our whole goal is to reduce crashes and reduce fatalities,” Ofsanik said.
Ofsanik said one reason that the speed traps were particularly effective Thursday is a new electronic monitoring system used by Uniontown police to conduct the traffic stops.
Ofsanik said ENRADD, Electronic Non Radar Device, is a system employing digital monitoring and allows smaller police departments increased mobility in conducting aggressive driving patrols.
“In the past, they had to use a timing mechanism and make marks on the road and motorists would be aware and would be able to avoid the trap,” Ofsanik said. “Now they can set up quickly with ENRADD and move to different locations with greater ease and efficiency.”