Agenda - Council - 02/11/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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It shall be the policy of the City to post speed limit signs where required by law, notably at points of change from one speed limit to another. Additionally, residential speed limit (30 mph) signs shall be posted on major subdivision streets near intersections with county or state highways. It should be noted that Minnesota State Laws allow municipalities to post speed limits of 30 mph in an urban district (defined as areas having dwellings spaced at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of one-quarter mile) and other streets at 55 mph. Speed limits under 30 mph are allowed in special zones such as school zones and alleyways. Other speed limits may be posted in 5 mph increments only upon the determination of the Commissioner of Transportation subsequent to an engineering and traffic investigation. It shall be the policy of the City to petition the Commissioner of Transportation, for an engineering and traffic investigation study, when presented with a citizen request for such a study. Request,f~)r W~tCh for QhlldrCnSigns ALTERNATIVE #1: (Current Policy and Staff Recommendation) The request for watch for children and similar signs generally stem from parents' concern for their children's safety in the streets and near their house. Unfortunately, the request is based on the widespread but false belief that traffic signs provide protection. There is no indication that signs of this type achieve the desired safety results. Since children live in virtually every neighborhood, and neighborhoods can change dramatically in child population in relatively short time spans, signs could be posted on virtually every residential block, tn addition, if parents become less vigilant as a result of these signs being posted, they may actually be doing a disservice to children's protection, it is therefore the policy of the City to refrain from the posting of this type of sign. ALTERNATIVE #2: Signs) (Provides Some Control on the Proliferation of These The City shall post watch for children signs on: (1) major residential streets at such locations near an intersection with State and County Roads, and on MSA roadways which have direct access for residential lots. ALTERNATIVE #3: (On a Case by Case Basis) The City shall post watch for children signs on a case by case basis as determined by the Road and Bridge Committee. ALTERNATIVE #4: (Upon Request) I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I