The Borough of Coplay has gone hi-tech to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety on its two major arteries, Chestnut Street and Second Street.

Speed indicators were installed last week, getting the attention of both drivers as well as residents in those neighborhoods. The devices, mounted on metal posts, are solar powered.

One has been placed on the east side of South Second Street, as vehicles enter the borough from Front Street, Hokendauqua; another is on the north side of Chestnut Street, between Sixth and Seventh streets.

The LED-lighted digital numbers give the speed the driver is traveling - in green if complying or under the speed limit or in red if exceeding the 25 mph.

Further, the message flashes “thank you” when drivers have abided by the speed limit or “slow down” if the speed limit has been exceeded.

Councilman Steve Burker, who credited Councilman Charles Sodl for his initiative and council’s support, said the speed indicators do much more than let the driver know how fast he or she is driving but also provides the police department the number of vehicles passing through and the number of drivers speeding.

The speed indicators do not provide a mechanism to issue speeding tickets to drivers. Police will continue their patrols of borough streets, so they are safe for drivers and pedestrians, Burker added.