Smart speed signs are being installed across Cape Town, and already have an effect on reducing the speed at which motorists drive.
The signs detect the speed of a vehicle and display the measured speed on a variable message sign next to the road, where it is visible to the drivers.
According to a media release by the City of Cape Town, the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has noticed a 25% reduction in vehicles exceeding speed limits at locations where these signs are installed.
There are currently 10 smart speed signs in Cape Town and another four in the planning process.
The City’s Transport Network Technology team implements the roll-out of these signs on request from wards funding them, the media release said.
“These signs have proven to be an effective speed calming tool since the installation of the initial signs some three years ago,” said Rob Quintas, Mayco member for Urban Mobility. “We are encouraged by the effectiveness so far and know our transport network technology branch is always looking at ways to add to the functionality of these signs. If residents would like to motivate for a sign at a specific location they are welcome to approach their ward councillor for further consideration.”
Locations
The City has thus far rolled out smart speed signs at the following locations:
• 109 High Level Road, Green Point;
• 109 Ocean View Drive, Green Point;
• 291 High Level Road, Sea Point;
• 27 High Level Road, Sea Point;
• 43 Ocean View Drive, Green Point;
• Jip De Jager near Eksteen Street, Bellville;
• Jip de Jager near Mara, Bellville;
• Main Road near V & A Waterfront, Green Point;
• Beach Road near Surrey Place, Mouille Point;
• Victoria Road near Maiden’s Cove, Camps Bay.
Most recent
The most recent signs were installed along Jip de Jager in November last year and in Ward 115 and Ward 54 in January this year.
“Each smart speed sign is connected to one central server,” Quintas pointed out.
“Data is collected and stored of all vehicles recorded by the sign. Once a new sign is installed, the display is left in an off state for the first two weeks. This enables the City to have data from the time before the sign was in operation. Afterwards the display is switched on for approximately two weeks, and another data sample is taken.
“We have definitely noticed a drop in the number of vehicles exceeding the speed limit once the displays were switched on. We have also noticed, by monitoring the brake lights of cars, how the cars brake when they actually see the speed at which they are travelling where the ‘slow down’ message is displayed.
“I urge drivers to pay close attention to the speeds they are driving at and adhere to the speed limit on our roads.”
The design of the smart speed signs has earned the City’s Transport Planning and Network Management Department an innovation award.
“This is one of the many technologies the City’s Urban Mobility Directorate has designed and installed over the last few years,” Quintas said.
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