CC Min 1999-09-13 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Sergeant Cesena explained the overview of the Traffic Unit, the use of its mobile radar display trailer and provided information on automated traffic enforcement. In 1997 and 1998 over 11,000 traffic citations were written and through July of 1999, over 7,000 were written. A 1997 survey of selected cities by the City and County Management Association shows Redwood City ranks second only to Long Beach in the number of moving violation citations issued. Enforcement through other than traditional methods includes red light photo enforcement and radar photo enforcement. In summary, the mobile radar display trailer has provided an additional tool against speeders. While red light photo systems have proven to be successful, however, the rate of violations will determine the success of the program in Redwood City and there is no way to determine the exact number of citations resulting from a program and if the experience is low citation rates than the program would require expenditures rather than generate revenue. Radar photo enforcement is not supported by the State or by public opinion to the extent red light photo enforcement is supported, therefore, purchase of this system is not recommended. Council comments included suggested usage ora squad car such as used in Hillsborough, commendation of the Police Department, questioned amount of traditional enforcement needed where red light photo system exists, requested more information on practicality of how the system might work on targeted intersections for the purpose of reducing accidents, a request for a report on the top 10 areas of speed violations was made and received. Council questioned whether traffic signal synchronization was currently in place. The suggestion was made of a friendly warning sign at the entrance to the City. Police Department to research photo red light enforcement technology and return with a recommendation with a limited scope of implementation, not pursue photo radar concept and hold offon a second radar trailer after evaluating effectiveness of the current trailer. A report on the synchronization of the traffic signals on El Camino Real to be prepared. MEMO 9/21/99 B. Request for Speed Humps in Redwood Oaks/Friendly Acres: Nita Spangler questioned whether the City had fo,reed a traffic or transportation committee and urged giving the traffic issue an all-city approach. Traffic Engineers Haygood and Smith gave reports using maps showing location of humps. The neighborhood association was instrumental and formed a subcommittee of residents that met with staff prior to presenting the endorsed proposal to the entire association. Oreg Trindle thanked staff and encouraged Council to support the proposal on Orchard Avenue. Almost all neighbors supported the speed humps, although some disputed the locations. REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES BOOK NO. 58 SEPTEMBER 13, 1999 MINUTES Page No. 416 PAGE 5