Agenda - Council - 07/22/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

1.0 INTRODUCTION This study vas precipitated by concerns raised by the City of Minnetonka, Minnesota in regard to the installation of tvao LED ("light emitting diode") billboards along Interstate 394 and Interstate 494. The LED function was applied to t<a%o existiig "static" image billboards located adjacent to the interstate. Follo~~=ing installation of the LED function; the City fumed off the power to the signs though a stop work order based on current city ordinance prohibiting flashing signs, which is broadly defined; as well as permitting requirements for the retlofittinQ of the signs to the upgraded technology. The billboard o~~,mer sued the City; and the court response to this legal action as of the `~,=ritilg of this study has been to allo`v limited use of the LED billboards. A moratorium on further signage of this type was established by the City to facilitate the study of issues related to driver distraction and safet}= and appropriate regulatory measures for LED and other types of changeable signage. This study was undertaken on behalf of the City of Minnetonka to examine these issues. ~Jhile the concerns were precipitated by LED billboards ii particular, this report examines more broadly "d}=namic" display signage which is defined as any characteristics of a sign that appear to have movement or that appear to change, caused by any method other than physically removing and replacing the sign or its components, «=hetlner the apparent movement or change is in the display, the sign structure itself or any other component of the sign. This includes a display that incorporates a technology or method allowing the sign face to change the image without having to physically or mechanically replace the sign face or its components. This also includes alzy rotating, revolving, moving, flashing; blinking; or a~.iimated display ar7d any display that incorporates rotating panels, LED lights manipulated through digital input, "digital ink" or any other method or technology that allows the sign face to present a series of images or displays. These capabilities rriay be provided by a variety of technologies which are discussed Iater in this report. As the study progressed, additional coirununities ~~=ithin the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area; as u=ell as the League of Minnesota Cities, expressed interest it these issues. Ho`vever; it is not the intention of this report to provide a comprehensive study of all issues raised by dynamic signage; or other ty=pes of billboards, but rather to focus narrowl}= on the issues of concern to the City of Minnetonka. 2.Q PURPOSE OF STUDY AND. n~THODOI,OGY Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task that requires the ability to divide one's attention. Sinultaneously maintaining a steady and legal speed; changing lanes; navigating traffic and untersections, reading and interpreting street si~zs, drivers are often challenged by conditions that can change in the blink of an eye. Internal and external physical conditions caa7 affect ho«= safely the driving task is accomplished. Drug or alcohol intoxication; fatigue and/or distractions in the drivi~a environment all can pIa}= a role in motor.vehicle crashes. Ho«=ever, these conditions are rarely the sole reason for a crash. Rather; these conditions serve to exacerbate analready- complex driving environment ai7d subsequent mistakes in judgment can lead to crashes. ,A4 -212-