Village signs off on slower traffic

The Belgium Village Board on Monday approved the purchase of one speed sign and three extra brackets so it can be moved around.

The sign attaches to speed limit signs and displays passing motorists’ speeds. Red and blue lights flash when vehicles travel over the limit, and a flash simulates a photo being taken.

In addition, the sign tracks how many vehicles are speeding when they pass by.

Public Works Director Dan Birenbaum said the sign is the same one that the Fredonia Marshal’s Office and the Port Washington Police Department own.

The sign will be placed on Highway KW facing south near the village limits, but the extra brackets allow the sign to be moved to different locations. Trustee Josh Borden mentioned spots on highways KW and D to capture traffic entering Belgium from all directions.

“Anything that goes straight,” Trustee Don Gotcher said of roads with fast traffic.

“Or gets repaved,” Borden added.

The sign and three brackets cost nearly $5,000, which the village put into this year’s budget.

Purchasing a second sign may be considered next year, trustees said.

The sign is in response to village residents’ complaints last fall about speeding traffic coming into Belgium on highways KW and D.

Birenbaum said he expects the sign to be installed by the end of June.

The board vote was 6-0. Village President Pete Anzia was absent.