TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

FROM: DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

DATE: AUGUST 17, 2004

SUBJECT: TRAFFIC AND ENGINEERING SPEED SURVEYS

Staff Coordinator: Nicole Jules, Sr. Engineer

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt Resolution 2004- , A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes establishing speed limits on various streets.

BACKGROUND

In accordance with the California Vehicle Code (CVC), radar or laser enforceable speed limits in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes are generally established by one of two methods. If the roadway meets the definition of an arterial or collector street, the prima facie speed limit is determined by utilizing a Traffic and Engineering Speed Survey. On the other hand, if the roadway is classified as a residential roadway, a speed limit of 25 miles per hour applies and no survey is needed. The California Vehicle Code further states in order for a speed limit to be enforceable, the engineering survey must be prepared every five years.

The City’s consultant Traffic Engineer recently completed the Traffic and Engineering Speed Survey with input and direction from the Lomita Sheriff’s Department and City staff. The street segments surveyed allow for speed enforcement by the Lomita’s Sheriff’s Department which utilizes radar or laser speed determination equipment. The selection of street segments is based upon previously studied streets.

Traffic and Engineering Speed Surveys are prepared for the City’s roadways on a rotating basis. On February 4, 2003, the City Council adopted a resolution establishing speed limits for 12 roadway segments on 7 different roadways and on August 5, 2003 adopted a resolution for an additional 12 roadway segments on 6 different roadways.

The attached resolution adopts 6 roadway segments on 3 different roadways (Palos Verdes Drive East, Palos Verdes Drive West and Silver Spur Road), which leaves 3 roadway segments on 2 different roadways in need of updating. The existing speed limits for the above-mentioned street segments are currently valid and enforceable per CVC Section 40802. The remaining 2 roadways in need of updating are:

• Armaga Spring Road
• Western Avenue (Caltrans Jurisdiction)

CONCLUSION

Adopting staff’s recommendation will retain and re-establish a reasonable and enforceable speed limit along various roadways throughout the City.

FISCAL IMPACT

The recommended action will have no negative fiscal impact

Respectfully Submitted,

___________________________

Dean E. Allison

Director of Public Works

Reviewed,

_________________________

Les Evans

City Manager

Attachments:

Resolution 2004-xx

Traffic & Engineering Speed Surveys for PVDE, PVDW & Silver Spur Road