Neighborhood Speed Watch

Speeding drivers on neighborhood streets is one of the most common complaints received by the Novi Police Department. Neighborhood Speed Watch is a three-part program designed to address the concerns of our community.  The program is a partnership between the Novi Police Department and our citizens and is initiated by citizens concerned about speeding vehicles in their neighborhood.

Part One

A portable radar unit is loaned to citizens to measure the speed of vehicles in their neighborhood.  The citizens log the vehicle observed speeding, noting the speed of the vehicle, the license plate and description of the vehicle.

The log is then turned over to the police department and a letter is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. Registered owners of notified vehicles are not issued a ticket, not fined, and nothing appears on their driving record relating to the warning letter.

At least two citizens are needed for part one.  One person uses the radar unit and measures the speed while the other(s) records the license plate information and a description of the vehicle.

Training in the operation of the radar unit will be provided when the unit is picked up.  One person will be responsible for the radar unit.

Part Two

Placement of the Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART) in the neighborhood. SMART is a self-contained speed display unit, designed to promote speed awareness.  SMART uses a radar unit to determine the speed of vehicles approaching or driving away from the unit.  That speed is displayed on the front of the trailer, along with a speed limit sign.

Part Three

Traffic enforcement by the Police Department.

Citizens who want to participate in the Neighborhood Speed Watch program should contact Sergeant Terry Whitfield at 248-348-7100.  The radar unit is loaned out initially for a 72-hour period.  Extensions can be granted if the unit is not scheduled for use by other citizens.