CITYWIDE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY

(SPEED SURVEY) ADOPTION AND CERTIFICATION -

Recommendation:

It is recommended that City Council:

1. Adopt the attached Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey prepared by Albert Grover & Associates, and
2. Adopt the attached resolution entitled:

"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HERMOSA BEACH, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE CITYWIDE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SPEED SURVEY ON THE CITY'S ARTERIAL AND COLLECTOR STREET NETWORK"

Background:

The City of Hermosa Beach uses radar for enforcement of speed limits on our City streets. The statutes contained in the Motor Vehicle Code (CVC) of the State of California specify certain requirements and limitations for the use of radar to enforce speed limits and to avoid engaging in "speed traps".

For over fifteen years the City of Hermosa Beach has complied with the CVC sections relative to conducting an Engineering and Traffic Survey (spot speed zone study). The last Citywide Survey was completed in October 1993. It was certified and adopted by the City Council several months later. The present study will become invalid in October 1998.

Analysis:

The City Council is essentially free to set any speed limit between 25 mph and 55 mph; but radar can only be used on those streets where the speed limit conforms to the engineering study results.

The spot speed zone study conducted by Albert Grover & Associates recommends speed limits on 35 segments of arterials and collectors in the city. Residential streets meet other sections of the vehicle code and study on those narrow streets was not required.

The report recommends that the existing speeds on arterial and collector roadways in the city can remain unchanged except on the following roadway segments:

• Gould Avenue: Pacific Coast Highway to Ardmore Avenue, it is recommended that the existing posted speed limit of 25 mph be increased to 30 mph based on the 85th percentile speed and low accident rate.
• Valley Drive: North City Limit to Pier Avenue, it is recommended that the existing posted speed limit of 25 mph be increased to 30 mph based on the 85th percentile speed, low accident rate, and continuity of speed.

However, in the vicinity of Hermosa Valley School, the speed limit will remain as posted, 25 mph When Children are Present.

Staff of both departments, public works and police, have reviewed the study and concur with its finding and recommendations.

Fiscal Impact:

Funds have been set-a-side in the amount of $6,000 in Contract Service Private General Fund Account No. 001-3104-4201. No additional appropriation is required.

Alternative:

1. Approve staff's recommendation. With this action the City will be in compliance with the state mandate.
2. Approve and certify the Citywide Engineering and Traffic Speed Survey with no changes in speed limits. With this action the City will be in compliance with the state mandate.
3. Take no action. In accordance with provisions of the CVC, enforcement of speed limits by radar will not be permitted.

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