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Engineering

1. Can we have a STOP sign to control speeding?: A STOP sign is intended to determine the right of way at an intersection. It is a rather poor speed control device. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of a STOP sign on speed ranges from 100 to 150 feet from the sign, after which a vehicle will regain its original speed or an even faster one. If a speeding problem exists, the City can park a radar trailer on your street to inform drivers of their speed.

2. Can the City install speed humps in our neighborhood?: The set speed limit is based on standards found in the California Vehicle Code, except in residential and school areas where the limit is 25 mph. The Vehicle Code requires a radar study be performed in order to set the speed limit. Lowering a speed limit to slow down vehicles does not work. Drivers drive at a speed at which they feel comfortable. The City adopted the policy not to install speed humps along the roads classified as collector streets and major arterial.

3. Can we have "SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs?: The use of "SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY" or similar signs is not allowed on public roads. The message on such signs gives the interpretation to children that it is acceptable to play in the street, which is contrary to the California Vehicle Code.

4. Why am I waiting at a red light when there is no cross-traffic?: It could be that the signal is malfunctioning. If you notice a signal that suddenly does not function as it has in the past, please call our office 510-307-8091 (or Public Works at 510-231-3011 for more urgent issues) so we can check it out. In many cases that is the only way we will know if something is wrong.

5. Can we have a crosswalk?: Marked crosswalks are typically placed at signalized or STOP-controlled intersections. The markings on the roadway have been shown to give pedestrians a false sense of security; therefore, not marking them leads pedestrians to be more careful.

6. Can you lower the speed limit so everyone will drive more slowly?: The set speed limit is based on standards found in the California Vehicle Code, except in residential and school areas where the limit is 25 mph. The Vehicle Code requires a radar study be performed in order to set the speed limit. Lowering a speed limit to slow down vehicles does not work. Drivers drive at a speed at which they feel comfortable. The reporting of speeding issues can be made collectively at the neighborhood council meeting and then forwarded to the Police Department for site monitoring.

7. I can't see down the street because Cars park right next to my driveway. What can be done?: The City can prohibit parking for various reasons. However, we hesitate to prohibit parking in residential areas due to the impact this might have on the fronting homeowner. For the situation of having the driveway being constantly blocked by vehicles, the City can review the site condition and install some red curbs near the driveway upon the verification of the site condition for approval.

8. I got a speeding ticket by a law enforcement officer using a radar gun on a City street. Is that legal?: The use of radar to determine speeds has specific rules. If you are issued a speeding ticket on a City Street or County road, contact the City Traffic Engineering Section at 510-307-8112 or the County Traffic Section at 925-313-2276 to ensure that a valid radar survey exists for that road. If you have questions regarding any of these subjects, please feel free to call our Traffic Engineering Section, Steven Tam, at 510-307-8112.

9. Can our street be closed off to divert all this traffic?: The City has closed some streets to divert traffic. A study must be completed to ensure that the diverted traffic does not adversely affect another neighborhood and to determine the traffic volumes and speeds. The neighborhood will also be involved so as to understand the consequences of a road closure.

10. Can the City install additional street lights in front of my house?: Most of the existing street light were installed based on the City adopted criteria or design guideline stated in the Municipal Codes. Currently, the City is also looking into the energy saving program that allows the City to use different types of luminaries. If the new policy is adopted, new luminaries will light up the street more uniformly with the resulting lighting brighter than the current conditions. For new street light request Engineering Services will review and investigate each request on a case-by-case basis. City street lights can be categorized into two types. Street light mounting that is supported by wooden poles are being maintained by PG&E, while the non-wooden pole street lights are maintained by the City’s electricians. For general Street light maintenance issues, please contact the Engineering Services at 510-307-8091 or the Public Works Department at 510-231-3011. Both Departments can handle any street light malfunction issues.

11. Who should I contact about potholes on my street?: Please call Public Works at 510-231-3008.

12. Who is responsible for repairing the sidewalk in front of my house?: Homeowners are responsible for the maintenance of the sidewalk, curb, and gutter. Please contact the Engineering Department at 510-307-8091 for more information about the necessary permits and license requirements for repairing concrete.

13. How can I get the curb in front of my house painted blue?: Please submit a copy of your California driver’s license or identification and DMV handicap documentation to the traffic engineer in the Engineering Department.