Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #4 Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation - SRReport to the Public Safety Advisory Commission From: Agnes Williams,Public Safety Advisory Commissioner Date: October 16, 2019 Subject: Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation, Calming and Education Recommendation Approve the creation of the new Neighborhood Traffic Mitigation, Calming and Education Sub-Committee and appoint two members of the Public Safety Advisory Commission to the new Sub-Committee. Background Among the roles and responsibilities of the Public Safety Advisory Commission (PSAC) is to “act as a conduits of information for City residents and business to express their concerns”which includes traffic and pedestrian safety.Another role is to investigate, review and analyze traffic and pedestrian safety and assist in developing traffic and pedestrian safety. Recent reports of accidents have caused concern related to traffic and driver habits in our communities. Purpose of the Committee The purpose of the sub-committee is to address safety and traffic issues which may include: During the beginning and ending of school hours, including routes to and from schools and school bus drop off and pick-up points Along pathways where no sidewalks exist. Especially those pathways where there is no or inadequate lighting. Speeding, running stop signs and distracted driving within communities. Although the City Staff, specifically Engineering Department and the Active LE Plan addresses some of these issues, the sub-committee could investigate and recommend supportive aspects other than what is already projected to be done. Also, some of the data collection and fact-finding by the sub-committee could be immediate or intermittent non-cost or low-cost things that can be implemented right away. The sub-committee can reach out to communities and businesses while doing the fact- finding and research or reach out to other cities which already has or currently involved in a Traffic Mitigation, Calming and Plan to develop a comprehensive and action plan. The final objective of the sub-committee would be to look at a sustainable infrastructure plan which would include processes and procedures that could be updated, edited and enhanced for relevancy in the ensuing years. Annotated cross reference to other plans in existence would be part of that task. Traffic, Mitigation, Calming and Education The sub-committee should include these items: Traffic Mitigation, Calming- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) definition is “to support the livability and vitality of residential and commercial areas through improvement in non-motorist safety, mobility and comfort.” In addition, “traffic calming reduces automobile speeds or volumes, mainly through the use of physical measures, to improve the quality of life in both residential and commercial areas and increase the safety and comfort of walking and bicycling. The subcommittee may request information and seek feedback from the City’s Engineering Department Policing is a key in assisting in traffic calming and mitigation fact-finding endeavors. One way of modifying driver behavior is warning and ticketing when individuals break the driving codes. Police Officers are an important resource to assess how signage is working within communities and provide antidotal information of incidents where driver’s compliance lapsed (i.e. distracted driving). The sub-committee may request information of local police ticketing data within Lake Elsinore borders and surrounding areas. Education of the driver is another means to encourage safe driving. As noted in the Active LE Plan (page 58), one of them is the Safe Route to School efforts which occurs in Lake Elsinore City Schools geared towards student walking to and from school. In supporting those efforts, there may be a need to develop a marketing plan for outreach specifically to drivers. The sub-committee may seek information from other entities like those who have knowledge of and/or existing Traffic Mitigation, Calming and Education plans. Conclusion The sub-committee should not seek “quick fixes” but consider everything possible to address the issue at hand. Thus, creating recommendations to address the described purposes of the sub-committee. This an opportunity for the PSAC to fulfill one of its charge of duties and role by establishing this sub-committee. The sub-committee is meant to enhance those efforts underway and be a collaborative partner. Because of this, it is suggested to have someone from the City to be a liaison to periodically check-in with sub-committee to give critical input.