HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-12-01; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Speed limit request at Segovia WayCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
COMMISSION REPORT OF: December 1, 1986 ITEM NO.D-3
LOCATION: Segovia Way
INITIATED BY: Mary Witherell, 2927 Segovia Way, Carlsbad, CA
BACKGROUND:
Ms. Witherell has requested that a 25 mile per hour speed
limit sign be placed on the westerly end of Segovia Way at
the beginning of a group of homes (see attached sketch). In
addition, she is requesting that "CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs be
installed on Segovia Way.
DATA:
Segovia Way is a local street approximately O. 70 miles long
connecting Levante Street and Quebrada Circle. On Segovia
Way at the intersection of Levante Street, there are homes on
both sides of Segovia Way for approximately 0.15 miles. This
portion of the road is followed by a gap of approximately
0.15 miles of vacant land and then 0.40 miles of road with
homes on both sides of the street. Segovia Way qualifies as
a residence district per Section 515 of the California
Vehicle Code.
In general, 25 mile per hour speed limit signs are not
installed on residential streets. However, in this case, a
speed limit sign installed at the west end of the group of
homes, beginning 0.30 miles from Levante Street, would alert
motorists to the changing roadside condition. It would
reinforce the legal speed limit designated for Segovia Way
once the motorist passes through the open area of road with
the vacant land to the group of homes.
The City
signs.
Standards
attached
of Carlsbad does
California law does
discourage the use
!TE handout sheet).
not install "CHILDREN AT PLAY"
not recognize, and Federal
of, this type of sign (see
These signs cannot and do not
!CITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
COMMISSION REPORT OF: December 1, 1986
(continued)
ITEM NO,D-3
provide the degree of protection parents and children believe
they have, if installed.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee recommends that a
25 mile per hour sign be installed on Segovia Way approxi-
mately 0.30 miles from Levante Street. The Traffic Safety
Coordinating Committee recommends that no ''CHILDREN AT PLAY"
signs be installed on Segovia Way.
NECESSARY COUNCIL ACTION:
The City Council would have to approve the "CHILDREN AT PLAY"
signs if they are recommended.
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LOCATION· MAP
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VICINITY MAP
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QUEBRAOA CIR
LEGEND
~ PROPOSED 25mph siqn
-PROPOSED 25mph ZONE
PROJECT NAME: EXHIBIT
SEGOVIA WAY 25 mph ZONE I.
TRAFFIC
I NFORMATION
PROGRAM
SERIES. -CtIILDREN AT PLAY
itvHY v"liON'T THEY PUT UP "CHILDREN AT PLAY" SIGNS?
An often heard neighborhood request concerns the posting of generalized warning signs
with "SLOW-CHI LOREN AT-PLAY" or other similar messages. Parental concern for the
safety of children in the street near home, and a misplaced but wide-spread public faith
• in traffic signs to provide protection often prompt these requests.
Although some other states have posted such signs widely in residential areas, no factual
evidence has been presented to document their success in reducing pedestrian accidents,
operating speeds or legal liability. Studies have shown that many types of signs •
attempting to warn of normal conditions in residential. areas have failed to achieve the
desired safety benefits. If signs encourage parents and children to believe they have an
added degree of protection, which the signs do not and cannot provide, a great disservice
results.
Because of these serious considerations, California law does not recognize, and Federal
Standards discourage, use of "Children at Play" signs. Specific Warnings for schools,
playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly
justified.
Children should not be encouraged to play within the street travelways. The sign has
long been rejected since it is a direct and open suggestion that this behavior is acceptable.
IM/1-77