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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-08-11 City Council (25)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Report TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: POLICE AGENDA DATE: SUBJECT: AUGUST 11, 1997 CMR:361:97 RED LIGHT ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS AND EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN REOUEST This report provides information regarding the Police Department’s enforcement efforts and education campaign that will focus on red light violations. This is an informational report and no Council action is requested. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The information provided in this report is consistent with current City policies and the Council priority on traffic issues. BACKGROUND Red light running has become increasingly more common around th~ country and especially in the Bay Area. The number of reported accidents that have been caused by people running red lights in Palo Alto is much lower than in other cities, and the numbers are increasing. In FY 1994-95, there were 3 i such accidents, and during FY 1996-97 the number increased to 38. Studies have shown that motorists are more likely to be injured in accidents involving red light violations than in any other type accidents,, due in part to the side impacts at relatively high speeds, which result in extensive damage the passenger and driver compartments. Research has also shown that enforcement and increased public awareness can help to modify this type of driving behavior. As a result, the Police Department will be initiating concentrated red light enforcement efforts and educational campaign during the month of September. This report provides detailed information about this campaign. According to the California Vehicle Code, a driver must stop at the marked limit line, or the crosswalk of an intersection, when faced with a red light. A yellow signal light serves as a CMR:361:97 Page 1 of 4 warning that the movement related to the green signal light is ending. Motorists entering an intersection on a yellow signal light may do so legally. A violation occurs when a motorist crosses the limit line or crosswalk when the signal has turned red. Due to the concern about red light violations, the number of citations issued by the Police Department for red light violations has increased by over 25 percent during the last two years. As reported in CMR:468:96, staffhas investigated the possibility of utilizing red light cameras to assist in enforcement efforts. However, due to a number of issues, staff has not recommended their use until such time as some of the associated problems can be worked out. Staffwas recently made aware of a device that can provide valuable assistance with this type of enforcement. At a typical intersection controlled by traffic signals, there is a one- to two- second overlap period, during which time the lights are red for all directions of traffic. An officer monitoring traffic from a side street normally will take enforcement action after observing the light on the side street turn green and then observing a vehicle on the cross street travel through the intersection. Although the violator may have been several car lengths behind the limit line, the officer may only be able to determine that the vehicle was at, or near, the limit line. Kcd_kight Indicator (RLI) A red light indicator (RLI) is a two-inch diameter red light that is connected to the wiring of the regular red traffic signal. The RLI is immediately activated when the regular signal turns red. An officer monitoring traffic on the perpendicular street can easily determine exactly when a red light signal has been activated and, as a result, is better able to determine when red light violations occur. Motorists on side streets do not normally notice the RLI. The use of RLIs is especially helpful at intersections that have limited visibility from side streets, intersections that do not run at right angles, and at intersections that have separate signals for left turn lanes. At a typical intersection, one or two of the RLIs would be installed to assist in monitoring the primary street or a left turn lane. This device was developed by traffic engineers in the City of Cupertino about three years ago. Within the last year, the devices have become available for purchase and use by other entities. The City of Milpitas has used the device since last year to assist in the enforcement of red light violations near a major shopping center. They have been able to reduce the number of accidents at that location and have been able to successfully prosecute violators. The cities of Saratoga and Cupertino have also been using the devices for enforcement purposes. Due to the low cost and high success rate, the Transportation Division will purchase RLIs to use on a trial basis at up to five locations. One unit has just been installed by Utilities CMR:361:97 Page 2 of 4 Department staff on signal lights for eastbound and westbound traffic on Embarcadero Road at St. Francis Avenue. Staff plans to install them, pending approval of an encroachment permit from Caltrans, on the signal that regulates traffic from southbound E1 Camino Real at Page Mill Road. Staff is in the process of identifying three additional locations for installation of the devices based upon accident data, the number of citizen complaints received about violations, and officers’ observations. Probable intersections include Hamilton Avenue and Middlefield Road, E1Camino Real and Embarcadero Road, and Foothill Expressway and Arastradero Road. Staff anticipates these RLIs will be installed in September. Staff will use the RLIs for six months and return to Council with an evaluation of their effectiveness. In addition to increased enforcement efforts using the RLIs, Police Department staff is initiating an educational campaign for the purpose of increasing drivers’ awareness about the dangers associated with nmning red lights. A short public service announcement concerning red signal violations was developed and will be shown on Cable Channel 16. Beginning on September 2, police officers will also distribute informational flyers (see attached) to motorists at selected intersections, with information about the red light law and stopping distances at various speeds. A press release announcing the campaign will also be distributed in an attempt to heighten motorists’ attention to the seriousness of these violations. The purchase and installation cost for each device is $150. Funds for the total cost for the five locations is approximately $1,200 and will be paid for with the Electric Utility Fund for traffic signal upgrades. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSE~ The use of the red light indicators has been determined to be categorically exempt for CEQA purposes. Copy of Informational Flyer CMR:361:97 Page 3 of 4 PREPARED BY: Lieutenant Don Harmett, Traffic Manager LYNNE JOHNSON, Assistant Police Chief CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: ClV~:~i1:97 ~Page 4 o[ 4