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Kenilworth police, council weigh permanent radar signs and stealth cameras to slow Boulevard traffic
Summary
Police and council members described data from a permanent speed indicator on the Boulevard, discussed additional solar signs, portable radar trailers, and a stealth radar tower that collects speed/volume data; no formal procurement vote was taken but officials said they will pursue more equipment and seek capital funding.
Kenilworth police reported that a permanent solar speed‑indicator installed on the Boulevard is prompting drivers to slow and that the borough will pursue additional devices and data collection to target enforcement.
The police chief described the device installed on the Boulevard heading east from Lenape and said it appears to be reducing speeds. "Every time somebody sees it comes up, I say, 9 to 10 cars are automatically slowing down," the chief said, reporting weeks of informal observation.
Officers noted the sign does more than flash a speed: it records traffic volume, average speed and maximum speed, information officials said can help schedule enforcement and place additional devices at problem locations. Lieutenant Brady and the chief discussed using smaller, portable radar trailers on narrower side streets and potential permanent placements on Westbound Boulevard and Michigan Avenue.
The chief also described a "stealth radar tower"—a small, black box mounted on a telephone pole that collects speed and volume data without obvious signage. He said the stealth device gives hard data to corroborate resident complaints, which aids in enforcement and prioritizing locations.
Why this matters: council members emphasized that devices alone do not replace enforcement but provide data to direct limited police resources. The police chief said the borough is coordinating with the county traffic association and the county engineer on siting decisions and hopes to add more units if capital funding becomes available.
Council discussion covered practical constraints: the solar signs require site surveys to ensure solar exposure and mounting feasibility; trucks that follow the signs and portable units may be needed to cover multiple streets; and the chief said sustained enforcement and a specialized traffic unit would be the long‑term solution.
No formal procurement motion was made or voted on at the May 20 meeting. Council members and the chief agreed to continue siting work, collect data from the existing sign, and pursue funding for additional units.
