Agenda Packets - 2008/09/02 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Change in Road Material, Surface, or Color This psychological method of attempting to slow traffic is normally used as a part of an area wide beautification effort. Color can be mixed directly into the street surfacing material, or surface paint can be used. The colored area can mark a pedestrian crossing or other feature of the area. Streetscape Material or Landscape Plantings This is another beautification option that could affect traffic speed. The design concept / type provides the illusion that the street is narrower, generally causing drivers to slow down. Vertical elements, such as trees, are most effective creating a confining feeling resulting in slower speeds. Variable Speed Display Board – Trailer Mounted or Permanent Sign The trailer-mounted speed display unit uses radar to record and display a motorist’s speed, along with the posted limit. Motorists do respond to this technique, but it should be repeated to gain maximum effectiveness. Alternatively, permanent speed displays are also now available and have been used in other municipalities. These displays are self-contained units that are available to run on solar power for convenience. They are often mounted on the same pole with a speed limit sign. This option is most often used to mark the start of a lower speed limit area. Police Enforcement Increasing the use of radar to curb speeding can be an effective control tool – if it is administered consistently. However, radar can be costly, and assigning officers to this lower-priority task is often difficult. Though productive for the short-term, sporadic enforcement, or removing enforcement after a period of time, will see speeds creeping back up over time. Speed Alert / Watch Programs This program allows residents to become a part of the solution. Under this program, citizens are trained to operate radar units by law enforcement personnel. One person runs the radar unit while another records speed and vehicle information. Speeders are then sent letters by the police department pointing out their recorded speed and asking them to slow down. In many cases, the speeders are area residents. Under such scenario, use of this technique can cause ill will amongst neighbors. To achieve the most speed reduction on these roadways, a combination of two or more methods should be used. A drop in the 85th percentile speeds of 10 to 15 percent would be considered a success based upon the information available regarding these speed control methods. For reference, the 85th percentile speed on Red Oak Drive when the study was performed in October 2006 was 34.4 mph, compared to the posted speed limit of 30 mph. A decrease of 10 to15 percent in the 85th percentile speed would result in speeds of 29.2 to 31.0 mph.