A speed detector will be purchased at some point next year to crack down on speeding in Mahoning Township.

Township supervisors on Wednesday discussed a Solar Power Radar Sign Matrix Display, which would cost $4,035.

Board chairman Robert Slaw said he changed his tune from his previous standpoint on the matter.

“Wilkes-Barre has (it), and they definitely work for them,” Slaw said.

Supervisor Ron Reeser said he, too, would like to see the equipment purchased.

“I’m impressed with the data that they provide,” Reeser said.

The board agreed to set aside money in next year’s budget for the equipment.

Supervisor Myron Blahy said last month he believes a speed detector could deter some of the township’s problems.

However, Supervisor Deb McGowan disagreed at that time, and instead suggested that the police department should be out more on the streets.

“This will not (solve) the speeding problem,” McGowan said. “I disagree.”

Instead, McGowan suggested another approach.

In June, Blahy said that Mertz was checking on prices to buy a radar speed sign to help monitor speed.

Blahy noted at that time that Palmerton has a radar speed sign, and that it has helped them. Neighboring Slatington Borough has one as well.

Blahy said the goal is for a sign to serve as a deterrent to help slow speeding traffic.

In March, supervisors said they believed more police department visibility was the key to cracking down on speeding in the township.

Slaw said at that time that trucks in the township have been speeding. McGowan said speeding also exists on Seneca Road.

McGowan said at that time she believed part of the problem with visibility is due to the department’s unmarked vehicles.