In Sherwood, Oregon, the local police department has introduced two mobile speed safety cameras at the intersection of SW Oregon and SW Lower Roy Street. These cameras, activated last week, have already identified more than 1,000 drivers exceeding the 25 mph speed limit by over 11 mph. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance road safety in the community.

Local Safety Initiative

Officer Paul Mattson of the Sherwood Police Department explained that this is the first deployment of such technology within Washington County and the broader Portland metro area. “Officers are still out here, we are still enforcing traffic law,” Mattson stated, emphasizing that the cameras are an additional tool to encourage safer driving.

The cameras are not permanent fixtures but were installed at this particular intersection due to its history of speeding issues. The road transitions from a 45 mph zone on Tonquin to a 35 mph zone on Murdock, before dropping to 25 mph, which has traditionally led to speeding problems.

Community Reactions

Residents have mixed feelings about the cameras. Longtime resident Mary Consani-Kramer expressed skepticism, suggesting that while the city might generate revenue from fines, the cameras alone might not effectively slow down traffic. She advocates for speed bumps as a more effective measure.

Starting June 23, drivers caught by these cameras will receive citations, marking a shift from the current warning system. The police department also plans to relocate the cameras to a school zone when classes resume in the fall, further underscoring their commitment to protecting community safety.

Original reporting: KGW Portland — read the source article.