The Healey-Driscoll Administration yesterday awarded $12.4-million to a number of non-profits, state agencies and 192-municipalities to improve road safety throughout the Commonwealth.

As part of that funding, $60,000 is going to the Lowell Police Department, with Chelmsford receiving $26,650.

Funds awarded to municipal police departments through the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program will allow the departments to afford initiatives that include conducting traffic safety enforcement, bicyclist and pedestrian safety enforcement, non-enforcement activities such as trainings or community events, and purchasing traffic safety equipment or safety items to distribute in the community such as bike helmets.

“This funding will enable the LPD to participate in a variety of traffic enforcement campaigns aimed at making our streets safer,” Lowell Police Chief Greg Hudon tells InsideLowell.  “Some of the focused enforcement include, Impaired Driving, Click it or Ticket, and Speed Enforcement.  Additionally, this funding will allow us to purchase additional traffic safety equipment like bicycle helmets and lidar units.  I would like to thank the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security(EOPSS) and Highway Safety Division for their continued support.”

“Enforcing traffic laws and ensuring that the roads of Chelmsford are safe for both drivers and pedestrians is a high priority for the Chelmsford Police Department as we seek to keep our community safe and welcoming,” said Chelmsford PD Chief Colin Spence. “We plan to use this grant money to focus on traffic safety enforcement, bicyclist and pedestrian safety enforcement, and distracted driving enforcement. I’d like to encourage everyone to be sure to put your phones and electronic devices down and to focus on driving safely while watching out for bikes and pedestrians.”

A total of $12,419,715.75 in grant funds were awarded through three grant programs; the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program, State Agency Traffic Safety Grant Program and Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Program. The programs provide federal funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“Everyone deserves to be safe on Massachusetts streets, whether traveling by car, foot, public transportation or bike,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As individual communities work to address their unique traffic safety concerns, these programs provide resources and supports that will ensure they have the tools they need to protect road users.”

“These programs, taken together, represent a holistic approach to addressing road safety concerns,” adds Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll . “No one agency or approach can resolve these issues, but the combination of prevention, enforcement, education and outreach initiatives funded through these grants will ensure safer roads for all in Massachusetts.” 

Funds awarded to municipal police departments through the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program will allow the departments to afford initiatives that include conducting traffic safety enforcement, bicyclist and pedestrian safety enforcement, non-enforcement activities such as trainings or community events, and purchasing traffic safety equipment or safety items todistribute in the community such as bike helmets.