Norwood Police Department

RADAR

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Solar Mobile Radar

In the fall of 1997, the Norwood Police Department received a Solar Mobile Radar (SMR) unit through a federal grant.  The SMR is designed to support police and traffic engineers in their efforts to promote speed limit compliance.  Approaching motorists see their speed clearly displayed on a large screen directly below a speed limit sign.   Because, an officer is frequently conducting enforcement of the speed limit near the SMR, motorists naturally reduce their speed to comply.  By increasing public awareness of speed limits and monitoring compliance, the SMR produces, lower average speeds, and a safer driving environment.   Still, there are some that argue that speeding does not cause accidents.  However, no one can argue that the severity of injuries in traffic accidents increase with the speed.

The SMR is a trailer mounted system.  This allows for the unit to be moved and placed in various types of locations.  It is powered by solar energy, with a battery back-up system.  The SMR uses a Doppler Radar system similar to that used by an officer's cruiser mounted radar or hand-held radar units.  The SMR also has the capabilities to collect data for traffic studies.

To request deployment of the SMR, you may call the Norwood Police Department at  762-1212  and request the dispatcher forward your request for deployment of the unit.  Or, you can email  Officer Paul Leear, the the traffic enforcement officer to make the request.  

Speeding Fines Increased:  The Legislature has increased all speeding fines by $25.  The $25 is a surcharge and the law requires this portion of every speeding fine be directed to the Head Injury Treatment Services Fund.  Formerly, speeding fines in Massachusetts were $50 for the first ten miles over the speed limit plus another $10 for every mile over that.  Thus, a citation for 43mph in a 30mph zone  previously resulted in a fine of $80.  Under the new law, (an additional $25 is to be added to every fine), the fine will be $105.  The law is an amendment to section 20 of Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws as enacted by Section 107 of the Fiscal Year 2000 State Budget.  The Head Injury Treatment Fund Services Trust Fund was established under Chapter 10 Section 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws. 

Radar devices have undergone significant modifications since the early 1960's when this photo appeared in the local paper.

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