New radar in Otrokovice. | Video: Dominik Pohludka
The new radar has been monitoring drivers in Otrokovice for two months. The facility, which is the first of its kind in the city, is located in Bří Mrštíků Street in Kvítkovice. The town hall promised traffic calming and greater safety for pedestrians from the new development, which cost 1.5 million crowns. How has the radar worked out so far?
Drivers arriving in Kvítkovice on the so-called old Malenov road used to be informed of their current speed only by indicators placed from the direction of Napajedel and Malenovic. Nevertheless, a number of drivers did not take their foot off the gas, which a large part of the local population complained about. The town hall therefore decided to solve the situation by purchasing a radar that can measure the speed at the moment of passing and on the section.
“Given that the measures implemented so far were ineffective, we decided to replace the speed indicator with a radar. It’s the only way that really makes drivers slow down and follow the rules,” said the mayor of Otrokovice, Hana Večerková.
The radar has now been operational for about two months. How many speeding violations did he detect during that time?
“Since the introduction of radars until August 4, 2024, we have recorded 669 cases of exceeding the speed limit,” Lenka Vaculová, spokeswoman for the Otrokovice town hall, told Denik.
And how much has already been distributed in fines?
“In terms of Act No. 361/2000 Coll. the operator is not fined, but is asked to pay the specified amount. So far, 641 calls with a total value of 452,700 crowns have been sent,” said Vaculová, adding that the town hall assumes that the amount collected will gradually decrease, given that people will know about the radar and slow down their driving.
“Which was also the reason for its installation. The goal is not to collect thousands in fines, but to make drivers slow down, behave according to traffic regulations and thus ensure greater traffic safety not only for the vehicles themselves, but above all for other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists,” Lenka Vaculová added, stating that at the same time, the slowing down of traffic also brings improved conditions for local residents, who noticed the difference already in the first days of operation.
The radar in Bří Mrštíků street might not be the only device of its kind in the city. Given that the radar has proven itself in practice, the town hall plans to acquire more, for which it is currently processing the necessary permits. The new radar could thus be in Nadjezd Street and in Baťov on Tomáš Bata Street.
“At least one of these radars should be installed next year,” concluded Lenka Vaculová.
