What You Need To Know About Stop Signs and Traffic Signals
Speed Control
Each year, the City receives many inquiries about installing stop signs or traffic signals as a way to reduce speeding. However, research shows that other measures are often more effective than adding more stop signs or traffic signals. The purpose of stop signs and traffic signals is to assign right-of-way at an intersection, not to control speeding.
Public understanding of the function of stop signs and traffic signals is one of the most critical elements in reducing speeding and traffic accidents. The following information explains our policies on intersection traffic controls and the correct use of stop signs and traffic signals.
Installation Policies
The Federal Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Manual dictates the size, shape and color of all traffic signs. This manual
has guidelines for installing signs and thus creates uniformity from state
to state. The State of California has a similar Traffic Manual, which
is in keeping with the Federal Manual.
The City of San Buenaventura, is required by State law to comply with
the guidelines of the State Traffic Manual. In addition, the City has
adopted policies for the installation of stop signs and traffic signals.
These policies identify specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident
history, and any unusual conditions, which must be present at the intersection,
before these traffic control devices may be installed.
Stop Signs
Stop signs are installed at an intersection only
after a careful engineering evaluation of the existing conditions indicates
that their installation is appropriate.
Our experience has shown that simply improving the intersection visibility
by prohibiting parking near the intersection is often more effective in
reducing traffic accidents. This often reduces the need to install more
restrictive intersection controls. Overuse of stop signs reduces their
effectiveness and if installed where not justified drivers who tend to
speed up between stop sign controlled intersections rather than slow down
largely ignore them.
Traffic Signals
The City has two types of traffic signals: fixed-time
signals and traffic actuated signals. Fixed-time signals are set for average
conditions and change at predetermined time intervals. Traffic actuated
signals detect vehicles (including bicycles) and adjust the timing to
optimize traffic flow at the intersection.
Along major arterials which have several traffic signals spaced at periodic
intervals, the traffic signals are usually synchronized to provide coordinated
movement along the major street. Before installing a traffic signal at
an intersection, established minimum criteria must be satisfied. Our review
includes an examination of:
- The amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
- The need to provide interruption to the major flow
for side street vehicles and pedestrians - Special conditions such as hills and curves
- The accident history of the intersection
Over the past few years, the City has installed signals at an average rate of 2 per year. These signals are installed using various funding sources, including your gas tax dollars, developer fees, and special assessment fees. A new traffic signal costs in the range of $100,000 to $150,000. Therefore, their installation must be carefully considered.
Citizen Concern
The City takes our role in solving traffic
problems very seriously, yet the ultimate burden of safety rests with
you, the motorist in San Buenaventura. Since we receive over 600 citizen
requests per year, we cannot always investigate your request as quickly
as we would like to. However, we will respond after carefully evaluating
your request. We appreciate your patience and understanding.