Farmers Branch rolls out speed tools as traffic stops rise and crime falls, officials say

In a district update, a Farmers Branch council member said the city is increasing speed enforcement and using new analytics after residents said speeding is a problem. “People drive way too fast in the city sometimes,” she said, and noted that traffic stops have increased 84% while overall crime fell 12% and property crime dropped almost 9%.

To address speeding, the city deployed movable radar signs, formed a motorcycle enforcement unit of three officers plus a supervisor, and purchased satellite‑based software that estimates speeds at any given point in time across city streets. The council member said staff use the software to decide whether to add a stop sign or devote enforcement to problem areas; she cited a new four‑way stop as a direct result of the system flagging speeding.

During Q&A, a resident raised concerns about emergency response delays in neighborhoods affected by construction; the city deferred to Public Works and the Fire Department. Shane Davis, deputy director of Public Works, said Denton Drive and Tom Field projects are tied to grants and that Tom Field required extra repairs after asphalt was removed, and that concrete repairs and overlays are near completion. Fire Chief Daniel Lader said the department tracks response times monthly, that Public Works notifies fire command of street closures, and offered to follow up on the resident’s address after the meeting to examine any delay.

The council member said the speed tools and increased enforcement are intended to increase police visibility and reduce dangerous driving, while staff continue to monitor metrics and adjust traffic controls where data indicate a problem.