Cranston police outline data‑driven approach to speeding complaints; council debates speed bumps and traffic calming

Colonel Winquist and city police staff told the Cranston City Council on June 23 that the department relies on data collection and targeted enforcement to address speeding and traffic safety complaints.

The police described a three‑step approach: deploy speed‑collection devices to measure vehicle counts and speeds, analyze the data to identify high‑enforcement locations and times, and assign directed overtime patrols (care detail) or other traffic measures when data support action. “We believe in technology and using data because that’s the only way we can really validate any of these speed complaints,” the colonel said.

The colonel said results often differ from public perception: some reports that appear to be speeding problems are actually high traffic volume or other issues. He described how the department typically uses a 5–10 mph threshold above the posted limit to identify excessive speeding for enforcement and said officers generally issue documented warnings for first‑time, otherwise clean drivers, with citations for repeat offenders.

On countermeasures, he said stop signs are meant to control traffic flow rather than reduce speed and warned that speed humps and bumps can produce mixed results, noise complaints, maintenance claims and potential safety tradeoffs for bicyclists and motorcycles. “Some cities and towns have actually utilized them, and some of those towns actually removed them,” he said. He also noted legal limits on automated enforcement: under current state law, speed cameras may be used only in school zones.

Council members suggested local alternatives and pilot tests. Councilman Ritz proposed using orange barrels or temporary lane narrowing as a trial on long, wide roads where speeding is reported; the colonel said traffic engineering would need to be involved but called the idea feasible as a test. Multiple members suggested road‑narrowing, high‑visibility patrols, and blinking speed signs as tools. Several councilors and the police recommended residents submit validated complaint information — including times of day — to help the department prioritize enforcement.

Police officials said they can share the raw data and summary reports from speed devices with council members and neighborhood groups. “What I like to do is I give the data back to you,” the colonel told the council, adding that the department typically leaves the collection box in place about a week to capture representative conditions. Members thanked police community‑outreach staff for attending and asked that traffic‑unit staff join neighborhood meetings when data or enforcement options are discussed.

No ordinance or policy change was adopted at the meeting; members directed staff to continue data collection and follow routine enforcement procedures and to coordinate with the traffic engineer on possible pilot changes.