By Troutdale Chief of Police Steve Bevens
Vehicles driving too fast in residential neighborhoods are one of the highest concerns received from our Troutdale community. But there are several options that we can use to deter speeding:
Portable Radar Trailer - You have probably seen our Radar Trailer on the streets throughout Troutdale. The trailer is deployed in areas that have reported concerns about speeding vehicles. It provides us with a detailed report of the time, date, and speed of every car that passes by. This trailer does not issue citations or warnings, but does show a white flashing light when drivers are going over the set speed limit. You can request this trailer by contacting joe.storagee [at] troutdaleoregon.gov (Code Enforcement Officer Joe Storagee) or calling 503-491- 4009.
Request Extra Patrol - If speeding in your neighborhood occurs during specific days and hours, you can contact the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office at 503-988-7300 (press 0) to request a Deputy to watch the area. Troutdale Community Resource Deputy Nick Bohrer will also be utilized to address this livability concern.
Speed Humps - While enforcement is the preferred method to deter speeders, engineered options such as speed humps can be effective in slowing down vehicles if marked correctly. Please refer to the City's Speed Hump Program page for information on how residents can learn about the process and apply for speed hump installation on existing neighborhood streets.
Neighborhood Associations - Coming together as a neighborhood can help in solving livability issues like residential speeding, whether you are a formal association or not. As a group you have options like fundraising for signage and other tools that are used to slow down vehicles to keep our children safe in the neighborhoods. In addition, this would give you the opportunity to partner with the city on how to position signage on the curbs or streets, attach a group-purchased portable radar speed reader to a pole, or other traffic calming devices. For more information about these options, call the Public Works Department at 503-674-3300.
Together is how we build a safe community.
A version of this story originally appeared in the March/April 2021 edition of The Troutdale Champion.