Youngstown police now using new manned radar guns

YOUNGSTOWN ­— The city police department has started using new manned radar guns that will issue civil fines to speeders rather than moving-violation tickets.

The department has used the radar guns three times since last Thursday, Lt. William Ross, head of the traffic unit, said today.

During the first 30 days of using the equipment, speeders will be sent warning letters. After that, speeders face civil penalties of $100 to $150, depending on how fast they were traveling, said Deputy Law Director Anthony Donofrio.

The radar guns are being used on highways, primarily Interstate 680, and will be in school zones as well when class is back in session, said police Chief Robin Lees.

The goal is to stop speeders, which will reduce accidents, Lees said.

The deal with Optotraffic of Lanham, Md., calls for the city to keep 65 percent of the fees with the company getting 35 percent, Lees said.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com