Ennis selects priority locations for 10 permanent radar speed signs; commissioners to refine by ward

City staff and the police department presented a proposed deployment of ten permanent radar-speed signs to the Ennis City Commission during a workshop discussion. The digital signs record approach speeds, display a motorist’s instantaneous speed and can flash or provide additional messaging when drivers exceed selected thresholds; they also transmit anonymous speed‑counts for staff analysis.

Staff and police proposed a mix of collector and neighborhood locations across the city based on crash history, complaint frequency and available right-of-way for solar-powered poles. Suggested sites discussed at the workshop included inbound approaches on Highway 34, locations near the I‑45 interchange, Country Club Road near Tabernacle, Park Street, Lampasas near the park, selected Clay and Preston segments and South Kaufman near the Highway 85 junction. Commissioners emphasized balancing ward priorities and minimizing negative impacts (for example, bright flashing in residential windows). Police representatives said the signs were meant to supplement enforcement and would provide datasets that could trigger targeted enforcement patrols.

Because three commissioners were absent, attendees agreed to refine placements with all commissioners or allow each commissioner to nominate high-priority locations in their ward; staff said the city already ordered ten signs and would finalize installations after the group agreed on exact pole sites and confirmed any TxDOT coordination for state-owned corridors. Commissioners also asked staff to examine programming (e.g., thresholds that trigger flashing) so that the signs are effective but do not cause nuisances in residential areas.