CC 2023-11-28 9.d. ConsiderationofaTwoYearExtensionoftheFiveYearRadarSpeedSurveysforSelectedCityStreetsItem 9.d.
MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM: Shannon Sweeney, Interim Public Works Director
BY: Shannon Sweeney, Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer
Dave Culver, Police Commander
SUBJECT: Consideration of a Two-Year Extension of the Five-Year Radar Speed
Surveys for Selected City Streets
DATE: November 28, 2023
SUMMARY OF ACTION:
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) requires an Engineering and Traffic Study (E&TS)
documenting radar speed surveys to enable radar enforcement of any speed limit set by
a local jurisdiction. Certification of this survey allows the City Police Department to enforce
these speed limits. The City’s previous radar speed survey was certified on November
27, 2018 for five years. The vehicle code allows for a two -year extension if certain
conditions are met.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
The City meets conditions to allow for a two-year extension of its previous radar speed
surveys. Therefore, there are no negative impacts to financial and personnel resources.
RECOMMENDATION:
1) Adopt a Resolution extending the existing five-year radar speed surveys for selected
City streets an additional two years; and 2) Determine that this extension is not a project
subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) because it has no potential
to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable indirect, physical change in the
environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd. (b)(2)-(3), 15378.).
BACKGROUND:
The State of California has a mandated process for the establishment of speed limits on
public streets. Speed limits are supported by conducting an Engineering and Traffic
Survey (E&TS or speed survey) following the p rocedures listed in the 2014 California
Manual for Setting Speed Limits published by the Division of Traffic Operations, California
Department of Transportation. Per the CVC, speed surveys are good for a period of 5, 7,
or 14 years depending on roadway conditions and enforcement procedures.
Item 9.d.
City Council
Consideration of a Two-Year Extension of the Five-Year Radar Speed Surveys for
Selected City Streets
November 28, 2023
Page 2
Radar speed surveys were performed on 70 street segments from 2016 to 2018 to allow
for speed limits on these street segments to be set by the City and subsequently for those
speed limits to be enforced. The results of these speed surveys were documented in an
E&TS (Attachment 2).
On November 27, 2018, City Council approved a Resolution certifying the five-year radar
speed surveys for selected City Streets.
Public Works staff met with Police Department staff on October 31, 2023, to discuss the
option of extending the existing radar speed surveys an additional two years . Police
Department staff confirmed that existing radar speed surveys are adequate and all the
conditions necessary for extending the surveys are already met. Police Department staff
also indicated that the California Police Officer Standards and Training agency requires
any officers who use laser or radar in the course of their duties to meet all of the conditions
necessary for the extension. The Police Department met these requirements when the
speed survey was originally approved and meet these requirements now. (See CVC
Section 40802(c)(1))
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
The setting of speed limits requires a rational and defensible procedure to maintain the
confidence of the public and legal systems. By following a uniform procedure, agencies
can establish speed limits that are uniform throughout the state and avoid influence from
political pressure or emotional perceptions.
Speed limit determinations rely on the premise that a reasonable speed limit is one that
conforms to the actual behavior of most drivers. For example, measuring drivers' speeds
is a reasonable and effective manner to set speed limits. Speed limits set by an E&TS
are normally set near the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed is the speed
at or below which 85 percent of the traffic is moving, and statistically represents one
standard deviation above the average speed.
In addition, setting the speed limit arbitrarily low often makes violators of a
disproportionate number of drivers, does not facilitate the orderly movement of traffic, and
requires constant enforcement to maintain compliance. Regardless of the posted speed
limit, most drivers will continue to drive at speeds at which they feel comfortable. The
question then arises, “Why do we even need to post speed limit signs?” In part, posting
speed limit signs:
Provides feedback to the driver, letting them know that most drivers consider the
posted speed to be safe and reasonable.
Allows for fair enforcement for drivers who are going excessively faster or slower
than the speed that most drivers consider safe and reasonable.
Item 9.d.
City Council
Consideration of a Two-Year Extension of the Five-Year Radar Speed Surveys for
Selected City Streets
November 28, 2023
Page 3
Determines many other design criteria such as clear recovery zone distance,
yellow light timing, taper lengths for any type of lane closure or construction, set -
back detectors, size of signs, and other roadway features.
Applicable CVC Sections
Basic Speed Law
The basic speed law is found in CVC Section 22350. It reads: “No person shall drive a
vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due
regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and
in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.” In other words,
a driver violates the basic speed law if he or she is driving at unsafe speeds, even if that
speed is lower than the posted regulatory speed limit sign.
Prima Facie Speed Limits by Statute
CVC Section 22352 sets the prima facie speed limits in California. The term “prima facie”,
as used in the CVC, is a speed limit that applies when no other specific speed limit is
posted. It is a Latin term meaning “at first face” or “at first appearance”. It sets two speed
limits covering six classes of location. The first speed limit is 15 mph; and it is applicable
to uncontrolled railway crossings; blind, uncontrolled intersections; and alleyways. The
second speed limit is 25 mph; and it is applicable to business and residential areas without
other posted speed limits; school zones, and areas immediately around senior centers.
Speed Limits Requiring an Engineering and Traffic Survey
When an engineering and traffic survey (E&TS) shows that the statutory or prima facie
speed limits are not applicable for the existing conditions, the speed limits can be altered
with the posting of a different speed limit, which must be determined according to the
findings of the E&TS. CVC Section 22358 addresses decreasing local speed limits.
Speed Traps
The CVC prohibits the use of speed traps (Section 40801) as well as the use of any
evidence obtained by use of a speed trap (Section 40803) for the purpose of prosecution.
A speed trap as defined in CVC Section 40802 is either:
A section of highway marked so that an officer can calculate speed based on the
time it takes a vehicle to travel the marked distance.
The use of radar or other electronic devices that me asure the speed of a moving
object on a section of highway which does not have a current E&TS as required
under CVC.
According to CVC Section 40802, an E&TS is valid for five years. However, under specific
conditions stated in CVC Section 40802, the E&TS may be valid for seven or fourteen
years. Once a speed zone is established at a statutory maximum speed limit (CVC
Section 22349) or higher, no further studies are required, as the CVC requires an E&TS
Item 9.d.
City Council
Consideration of a Two-Year Extension of the Five-Year Radar Speed Surveys for
Selected City Streets
November 28, 2023
Page 4
for speed zone reductions only. The completion date for the E&TS is when the approving
authority signs the E&TS or orders. This date does not have to match the date the strip
map was stamped or the date of the justification memo accompanying the E&TS.
Frequency of Rechecks
According to CVC Section 40802, “Speed Traps,” are sections of highway for which the
speed limit has not been justified by an E&TS within five years, and the enforcement of
the speed limit involves either timing vehicles between a set distance of roadway or using
radar or any other electronic device that measures the speed of moving objects.
The renewal time may be extended to seven years when using radar and all the following
criteria are met:
The citing officer has successfully completed a minimum of 24 hours of certified
radar operator course training.
The radar used to measure the speed meets or exceeds the minimal operational
standards of the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration and has been
calibrated within three years of the alleged violation.
The renewal time may be extended to seven years when using laser or other electronic
devices (other than radar) and all the following criteria are met:
The citing officer has successfully completed a minimum of 24 hours of certified
radar operator course training.
The citing officer has successfully completed a minimum of 2 hours of additional
approved certified training for laser or other electronic devices.
The device used to measure the speed meets or exceeds the minimal operational
standards of the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration and has been
calibrated within three years of the alleged violation.
The renewal time provision for an E&TS may be extended to fourteen years if a registered
engineer determines that all the above conditions are met and no significa nt changes in
roadway or traffic conditions have occurred, including major changes in adjacent property
or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume. This determination has not been made at
this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Council’s consideration:
1. Adopt a Resolution allowing a two-year extension of the existing radar speed
surveys.
2. Modify and adopt the Resolution with changes to speed limits on specific streets.
Doing so will make speed limits on those streets unenforceable until new speed
surveys are conducted.
Item 9.d.
City Council
Consideration of a Two-Year Extension of the Five-Year Radar Speed Surveys for
Selected City Streets
November 28, 2023
Page 5
3. Do not extend certification stimulator speed surveys and perform new surveys to
date.
4. Provide other direction to staff.
ADVANTAGES:
Extending the existing radar speed surveys will continue to provide a legal basis for the
Police Department to enforce speed limits on identified City roadway segments.
Establishing appropriate speed limits improves safety. Redoing radar speed surveys will
consume numerous hours of staff time and cost tens of thousands of do llars for a new
E&TS.
DISADVANTAGES:
No disadvantages have been identified for this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
This extension is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable
indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd.
(b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted at City Hall and on the City’s website in accordance with
Government Code Section 54954.2.
Attachments:
1. Proposed Resolution
2. Engineering and Traffic Study
65501.00002\41404558.1
ATTACHMENT 1
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE EXTENDING THE CERTIFICATION OF
THE 2018 FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY FOR
SELECTED CITY STREETS
WHEREAS, radar enforcement of any speed limit other than those expressly
established by State Law requires that such speed limits be based on an engineering and
traffic speed survey; and
WHEREAS, speed surveys were conducted on 70 street segments throughout the
City of Arroyo Grande (City) in 2016 and 2018; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, the City’s consultant prepared an Engineering and Traffic
Study (E&TS) documenting the results of the radar speed surveys, and providing
recommendations on all the establishment of speed limits on certain streets in the City in
accordance with the requirements of the California Vehicle Code (CVC); and
WHEREAS, on November 27, 2018, City Council certified the surveys to establish
speed limits on the 70 selected street segments for five years; and
WHEREAS, CVC Section 40802allows the five-year certification of the radar
speed surveys to be extended an additional two years if certain staff training and
equipment calibration exist; and
WHEREAS, the California Police Officer Standards and Training agency requires
any officers who use laser or radar in the course of their duties to meet all of the
conditions in CVC Section 40802(c)(1) necessary for the extension, and the Police
Department met these requirements when the speed survey was originally approved .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
as follows:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein.
2. That the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande hereby adopts a Resolution to
extend the certification of the 2018 speed surveys on selected city streets an additional two
years to November 27, 2025 as authorized by CVC Section 40802(c)(2)(B)(i)(I).
3. This extension is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
(“CEQA”) because it has no potential to result in either a direct, or reasonably foreseeable
indirect, physical change in the environment. (State CEQA Guidelines, §§ 15060, subd.
(b)(2)-(3), 15378.)
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
On motion by Council Member ________, seconded by Council Member _______, and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing Resolution was adopted this 28th day of November, 2023.
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
________________________________
CAREN RAY RUSSOM, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JESSICA MATSON, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_________________________________
BILL ROBESON, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________________
ISAAC ROSEN, CITY ATTORNEY
2018 CITYWIDE
ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY (E&TS)
FOR THE
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
ENGINEERING DIVISION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
300 EAST BRANCH STREET
ARROYO GRANDE, CA 93420
FINAL DRAFT
NOVEMBER 2018
PREPARED BY
ATTACHMENT 2
CITY OF
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Pavemont Engimiering Inc.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1
ELEMENTS OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY .................................... 2
Speed Sampling .................................................................................................................... 2
Collision History .................................................................................................................. 4
Conditions Not Readily Apparent To Motorists ............................................................. 4
SURVEY CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................... 5
SURVEY LOCATIONS ............................................................................................................ 5
DATA COLLECTION ............................................................................................................. 5
Speed Data ............................................................................................................................ 5
Collision Data ....................................................................................................................... 5
Field Review Data ................................................................................................................ 6
ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................... 7
CRITERIA .................................................................................................................................. 7
RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................. 7
SEGMENTS WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS .................................................................... 12
LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 15
APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE ..................................... 15
Basic Speed Law ................................................................................................................. 16
Speed Law Violations ........................................................................................................ 16
Prima Facie Speed Limits .................................................................................................. 16
Increase of Local Speed Limits to 65 Miles Per Hour ................................................... 18
Downward Speed Zoning................................................................................................. 18
Boundary Line Streets ....................................................................................................... 18
Speed Trap Prohibition ..................................................................................................... 19
Speed Trap .......................................................................................................................... 19
Speed Trap Evidence ......................................................................................................... 22
CERTIFICATION
I, Sam Tsz Kin Ho, do hereby certify that this Engineering and Traffic Survey for the
City of Arroyo Grande, California, was prepared under my direct supervision and is
complete and accurate. The registered Civil Engineer attests to the technical
information,contained herein and the engineering data upon which recommendations,
conclusions and decisions are based. I also certify that I am duly registered as a
Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.
Nov 2. l -Z.o t8 I
Sam Tsz Kin Ho Date
Professional Registered Civil Engineer License Number: C79939
Expires September 30, 2020
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande liJ
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 1
INTRODUCTION
This Engineering and Traffic Survey is intended to be the basis for the establishment,
revision, and enforcement of speed limits for selected streets within the City of Arroyo
Grande. This Engineering and Traffic Survey presents recommended speed limits for
70 street segments in the City of Arroyo Grande. Engineering and Traffic Surveys are
required by the State of California to establish intermediate speed limits on local streets
and to enforce those limits using radar or other speed measuring devices. These
surveys must be updated every 5 or 7 years to ensure the speeds reflect current
conditions as dictated by the California Vehicle Code (CVC). The CVC also requires
that the surveys be conducted based on the methodology required by The California
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) dated November 2014.
The survey was requested by the City for the proper posting of speed limits and to
enable the Police Department to utilize radar or other electronic speed measuring
devices for speed enforcement. CVC Sections 40801 and 40802 require Engineering and
Traffic Surveys that verify the prima facie speed limit before enforcement by such a
device is legal. The law further specifies that these surveys be conducted every 5 years.
The surveys can be extended to 7 years provided the City's police officer(s) have
completed a 24-hour radar operator course (CVC Section 40802(c)(2)(B)(i)(I)).
Additionally, some surveys may be extended to 10 years if a traffic engineer certifies
that no changes in roadway or traffic conditions have occurred (CVC Section 40802
(c)(2)(B)(i)(II)). These provisions assure that posted speed limits are kept reasonably
current.
The Engineering and Traffic Surveys for the City were conducted in accordance with
procedures outlined in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(California MUTCD) dated November 2014 and as required by Section 627 of the
California Vehicle Code. The Code further describes three elements of an engineering
and traffic survey:
1.Measurement of prevailing speed;
2.Accident history; and
3.Roadway characteristics not readily apparent to the motorist.
Posted speed limits are established primarily to protect the general public from the
reckless and unpredictable behavior of dangerous drivers. They provide law
enforcement with a clearly understood method to identify and apprehend violators of
the basic speed law (CVC Section 22350). This law states that "No person shall drive a
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 2
vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due
regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of the highway,
and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property." The
posted speed limit gives motorists a clear warning of the maximum speed that is
reasonable and prudent under typical driving conditions.
The basic fundamentals for establishing speed limits recognize that the majority of
drivers behave in a safe and reasonable manner, and therefore, the normally careful
and competent actions of a reasonable driver should be considered legal. Speed limits
established on these fundamentals conform to the consensus that those who drive the
highway determine what speed is reasonable and safe, not on the judgment of one or
a few individuals. A radar speed study is usually used to record the prevailing speed
of reasonable drivers.
Speed limits are also established to advise drivers of conditions which may not be
readily apparent to a reasonable driver. For this reason, accident history, roadway
conditions, traffic characteristics, and land use must also be analyzed before
determining speed limits. Speed limit changes are usually made in coordination with
physical changes in roadway conditions or roadside developments. Unusually short
zones of less than one-half mile in length should be avoided to reduce driver
confusion.
Additionally, it is generally accepted that speed limits cannot be successfully enforced
without voluntary compliance by a majority of drivers. Consequently, only the driver
whose behavior is clearly out of line with the normal flow of traffic is usually targeted
for enforcement.
ELEMENTS OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY
The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) dated
November 2014 specifies the methodology to be used for completing Engineering and
Traffic Surveys. This methodology includes an evaluation of current vehicle speeds,
accident history and conditions not readily apparent to motorists. The basic elements
of the Engineering and Traffic Survey are discussed in more detail as follows:
Speed Sampling
Existing vehicle speeds are surveyed by a certified radar operator with a calibrated
radar unit in an unmarked vehicle. Speed samples are taken for each segment
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 3
representing a statistically significant sample of current traffic. This data is then
evaluated to identify the distribution of speeds. A key element in the evaluation is the
identification of the 85th percentile speed. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or
below which 85 percent of the traffic travels. This threshold represents what is
historically found to be a safe and reasonable speed for most drivers based on common
roadway conditions. Therefore, a speed limit is established at the nearest 5-mile per
hour (mph) increment to the 85th percentile speed, except as shown in the two options
below.
Options:
1.The posted speed may be reduced by 5 mph from the nearest 5 mph increment
of the 85th percentile speed, in compliance with CVC Section 627 and 22358.5.
2.For cases in which the nearest 5 mph increment of the 85th percentile speed
would require a rounding up, then the speed limit may be rounded down to the
nearest 5 mph increment below the 85th percentile speed, if no further reduction
is used. Refer to CVC Section 21400(f).
If the speed limit to be posted has had the 5 mph reduction applied, then an E&TS shall
document in writing the conditions and justification for the lower speed limit. The
reasons for the lower speed limit shall be in compliance with CVC Section 627 and
22358.5
The following examples are provided to explain the application of these speed limit
criteria:
A.Using Option 1 above and first step is to round down: If the 85th percentile
speed in a speed survey for a location was 37 mph, then the speed limit would
be established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph increment to the 37 mph
speed. As indicated by the option, this 35 mph established speed limit could be
reduced by 5 mph to 30 mph if conditions and justification for using this lower
speed limit are documented in the E&TS.
B.Using Option 1 above and first step is to round up: If the 85th percentile speed
in a speed survey for a location was 33 mph, then the speed limit would be
established at 35 mph since it is the closest 5 mph increment to the 33 mph
speed. As indicated by the option, this 35 mph speed limit could be reduced by
5 mph to 30 mph if the conditions and justification for using this lower speed
limit are documented in the E&TS.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 4
C.Using Option 2 above and first step is to round up: If the 85th percentile speed
in a speed survey for a location was 33 mph, instead of rounding up to 35 mph,
the speed limit can be established at 30 mph, but no further reduction can be
applied.
Collision History
Reported collisions are reviewed for each street segment to determine if there is a
higher than average rate of collisions. A segment that has an above-average collision
rate typically suggests conditions that are not readily apparent to motorists.
A summary of the collision rates for the 70 surveyed street segments is provided in
Appendix B [ON FILE AT THE CITY].
Conditions Not Readily Apparent To Motorists
Each street segment is field inspected to identify roadway conditions that may not be
readily apparent to motorists. A determination is made whether any conditions are
significant and warrant the recommendation of the speed limit 5 mph or more below
the basic speed limit. It is important to note that The California Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) dated November 2014 recommends
exercising great care when establishing speed limits 5 mph or more below the basic
speed limit.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 5
SURVEY CONDITIONS
SURVEY LOCATIONS
The procedures below describe the criteria and methods used to survey selected streets
within the City of Arroyo Grande. The specific location of the radar speed survey for
each street segment was selected after considering the following:
1.Minimum stop sign and traffic signal influence.
2.Minimum visibility restrictions.
3.Non-congested traffic flow away from intersections and driveways.
4.Minimum influence from curves or other roadway conditions that would affect
the normal operation of a vehicle.
DATA COLLECTION
Data of existing conditions was obtained including prevailing speed of vehicles, traffic
collisions, visibility restrictions, and roadway conditions within the community. Speed
data and field reviews were conducted at 70 locations during the years of 2016 and
2018. Three locations were used as samples to verify that driver behavior has not
changed over the time period.
Speed Data
Radar speed measurements were conducted at 70 locations during the months of
November-May of 2015-2016 and July-September 2018. All surveys were conducted in
good weather conditions, during off-peak hours on weekdays. The radar unit was
operated from an unmarked vehicle to minimize any influence on driver behavior.
Typically, a minimum sample size of 100 vehicles or the total samples during a
maximum period of 2 hours were obtained for each segment. Traffic speeds in
both/each directions were recorded for individual segments.
Collision Data
Collision data was obtained from the City's SWITRS electronic collision database. For
this study, collision data was used from the latest 4 years of reported accidents from
January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2017. The collision rates for the 70 segments are
expressed in accidents per million vehicle miles (A/MVM). To calculate these rates, 24-
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 6
hour traffic volumes were collected for each street segment. This information was then
entered into the following formula to determine the collision rate:
𝑅𝑅=𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥 1,000,000 𝑥𝑥 𝐴𝐴 𝑥𝑥 1,000,000𝑡𝑡 𝑥𝑥 365 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑦𝑦𝑑𝑑𝑦𝑦 𝑥𝑥 𝑙𝑙 𝑥𝑥 𝑣𝑣
A = Number of midblock collisions over time period
R = Collision Rate (accidents/million vehicle miles)
t = Time Period Covered (in years)
I = Length of Segment (miles)
v = Traffic Volume (average daily traffic)
The segment collision rate was then compared to the average statewide collision rate.
The average statewide collision rates were obtained from 2015 Collision Data on
California State Highways published by Caltrans.
Field Review Data
A field review was conducted for each of the selected street segments in the City with
consideration for the following factors:
1.Street width and alignment (design speed);
2.Pedestrian activity and traffic flow characteristics;
3.Number of lanes and other channelization and striping patterns;
4.Frequency of intersections, driveways, and on-street parking;
5.Location of stop signs and other regulatory traffic control devices;
6.Visibility obstructions;
7.Land use and proximity to schools;
8.Pedestrian and bicycle usage;
9.Uniformity with existing speed zones and those in adjacent jurisdictions; and
10.Any other unusual condition not readily apparent to the driver.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 7
ANALYSIS
CRITERIA
Survey data was compiled and analyzed to determine the recommended speed limit
in accordance with several criteria contained in The California Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD) dated November 2014. Some of the
criteria used are:
A.The critical speed or 85th percentile speed is that speed at or below which 85
percent of the traffic is moving. This speed is the baseline value in determining
what the majority of drivers believe is safe and reasonable. Speed limits set
higher than the critical speed are not considered reasonable and safe. Speed
limits set lower than the critical speed make a large number of reasonable
drivers "unlawful," and do not facilitate the orderly flow of traffic. The "basic
speed limit" is the nearest 5 mph increment to the 85th percentile speed.
B.The 10 mile per hour (mph) pace speed is the 10 mph increment that contains
the highest percentage of vehicles. It is a measure of the dispersion of speeds
across the range of the samples surveyed. An accepted practice is to keep the
speed limit within the 10 mph pace while considering the critical speed and
other factors that might require a speed lower than the critical speed.
C.The collision rate for each street segment is compared to average collision rates
that can be reasonably expected to occur on streets and highways in other
jurisdictions, in proportion to the volume of traffic per lane mile. These average
collision rates have been developed by the State of California and are
considered reasonable for use in the City of Arroyo Grande.
RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Engineering and Traffic Survey Forms, presented in Appendix A [ON FILE AT
THE CITY], illustrate results of a thorough evaluation of the available data and
recommend a speed limit for each street segment surveyed. A complete summary of
all recommendations is shown in Table 2. In each case, the recommended speed limit
was consistent with the prevailing behavior as demonstrated by the radar speed
measurements. Typically, a speed limit in the upper range of the 10-mile pace was
selected unless a collision rate significantly higher than expected was discovered or
roadway conditions not readily apparent to the driver were identified. Any segments
with recommended speed limits 5 mph or more below the basic speed limit are fully
explained later in this report.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 8
The Legislature, in adopting Section 22358.5 of the California Vehicle Code (CVC), has
made it clear that physical conditions, such as width, curvature, grade and surface
conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in the absence of other
factors, would not be the basis for special downward speed zoning. In these cases, the
basic speed law (CVC Section 22350) is sufficient to regulate such conditions.
The recommendations contained in this Report are intended to establish prima facie
speed limits. They are not intended to be absolute for all prevailing conditions. All
prima facie speed violations are actually violations of the basic speed law (Section
22350 of California Vehicle Code). This statute states that a person shall not drive a
vehicle at a speed greater than is safe having regard for traffic, roadway, and weather
conditions. A prima facie limit is intended to establish a maximum safe speed under
normal conditions.
Table 1 identifies the street segments with recommended changes in posted speed
limits and Table 2 summarizes the recommendations for all surveyed segments.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
for the City of Arroyo Grande 9
Table 1: Street Segments with Recommended Speed Changes
Table 2: Summary of Recommendations
#STREET FROM TO DIR POSTED
SPEED (MPH)85TH %ILE RECOMMENDED
SPEED (MPH)
City Limits S. Elm St EB 35
City Limits S. Elm St WB 35
Via Las Aguilas Rancho Parkway EB N/A
Via Las Aguilas Rancho Parkway WB 30
Paseo St Printz Rd NB N/A
Paseo St Printz Rd SB N/A
Huasna Rd Wildwood Dr NB 40
Huasna Rd Wildwood Dr SB 40
Traffic Way Pacific Coast Railway Pl EB N/A
Traffic Way Pacific Coast Railway Pl WB 25
Orchard Ave Traffic Way EB N/A
Orchard Ave Traffic Way WB 35
Bakeman Ln S Elm St EB 35
Bakeman Ln S Elm St WB 35
Rancho Pkwy Hidden Oak Rd EB 40
Rancho Pkwy Hidden Oak Rd WB 40
N Mason St Via La Barranca EB N/A
N Mason St Via La Barranca WB N/A
Le Point St E Branch St NB N/A
Le Point St E Branch St SB N/A
E Grand Ave Blueberry Ave NB 25
E Grand Ave Blueberry Ave SB N/A
S Elm St Gaynfair Tr EB 40
S Elm St Gaynfair Tr WB 40
Fair Oaks Ave Sunrise Tr NB N/A
Fair Oaks Ave Sunrise Tr SB N/A
E Grand Ave Vernon St EB N/A
E Grand Ave Vernon St WB N/A66W BRANCH ST 32.29 30
63 VALLEY RD 41.48 40
59 THE PIKE 37.79 35
47 S COURTLAND ST 32.72 30
40 N MASON ST 25.36 25
36 LE POINT ST 33.22 30
34 JAMES WAY 36.02 35
28 FARROLL AVE 30.34 30
24 FAIR OAKS AVE 29.21 30
14 E CHERRY AVE 35.22 30
9 CORBETT CANYON RD 37.65 35
8 CORBETT CANYON RD 44.01 40
6 CAMINO MERCADO 37.56 35
1 ASH ST 33.88 30
#STREET FROM TO DIR POSTED
SPEED (MPH)85TH %ILE RECOMMENDED
SPEED (MPH)
City Limits S. Elm St EB 35
City Limits S. Elm St WB 35
E Cherry Ave Newsom Springs Rd EB 40
E Cherry Ave Newsom Spring Rd WB 40
Linda Dr El Camino Real NB 35
Linda Dr El Camino Real SB 35
E Grand Ave Linda Dr NB 30
E Grand Ave Linda Dr SB 30
W Branch St Via Las Aguilas EB 30
W Branch St Via Las Aguilas WB N/A
Via Las Aguilas Rancho Parkway EB N/A
Via Las Aguilas Rancho Parkway WB 30
5 CAMINO MERCADO 33.34 30
6 CAMINO MERCADO 37.56 35
3 BRISCO RD 35.15 35
4 BRISCO RD 29.11 30
1 ASH ST 33.88 30
2 BRANCH MILL RD 43.38 40
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#STREET FROM TO DIR POSTED
SPEED (MPH)85TH %ILE RECOMMENDED
SPEED (MPH)
Printz Rd City Limits NB 45
Printz Rd City Limits SB 45
Paseo St Printz Rd NB N/A
Paseo St Printz Rd SB N/A
Huasna Rd Wildwood Dr NB 40
Huasna Rd Wildwood Dr SB 40
Garden St Huasna Rd EB N/A
Garden St Huasna Rd WB 30
Garden St Paulding Cir EB 30
Garden St Paulding Cir WB 30
Bridge St Mason St EB 25
Bridge St Mason St WB 25
Pacific Coast Railway Pl Branch Mill Rd EB N/A
Pacific Coast Railway Pl Branch Mill Rd WB 35
Traffic Way Pacific Coast Railway Pl EB N/A
Traffic Way Pacific Coast Railway Pl WB 25
Oak St 101 North Off-Ramp EB 35
Oak St 101 North Off-Ramp WB 35
Alpine St Oak St EB 35
Alpine St Oak St WB 35
Brisco Rd Alder St EB 35
Brisco Rd Alder St WB 35
Courtland St Elm St EB 35
Courtland St Elm St WB 35
Oak Park Blvd Robles Rd EB 45
Oak Park Blvd Robles Rd WB 45
Robles Rd Stonecrest Dr EB N/A
Robles Rd Stonecrest Dr WB 40
Stonecrest Dr Brisco Rd EB 40
Stonecrest Dr Brisco Rd WB N/A
N Halcyon Rd Bennett Ave EB 35
N Halcyon Rd Bennett Ave WB 35
Bennett Ave Cornwall Ave NB 35
Bennett Ave Cornwall Ave SB 35
Orchard Ave Traffic Way EB N/A
Orchard Ave Traffic Way WB 35
Valley Rd California St EB 35
Valley Rd California St WB 35
Valley Rd S Halcyon Rd EB 40
Valley Rd S Halcyon Rd WB 40
S Elm St Victorian Ct EB 30
S Elm St Victorian Ct WB 30
Bakeman Ln S Elm St EB 35
Bakeman Ln S Elm St WB 35
N Rodeo Dr S Rodeo Dr NB 35
N Rodeo Dr S Rodeo Dr SB 35
Corbett Canyon Rd Stagecoach Rd EB 40
Corbett Canyon Rd Stagecoach Rd WB 40
29 GRACE LN 37.17 (38.95)35
30 HUASNA RD 40.43 40
27 FARROLL AVE 35.06 (36.31)30
28 FARROLL AVE 30.34 30
25 FAIR OAKS AVE 35.73 35
26 FAIR OAKS AVE 43.09 40
23 EL CAMINO REAL 35.63 35
24 FAIR OAKS AVE 29.21 30
21 EL CAMINO REAL 43.58 (41.59)40
22 EL CAMINO REAL 37.79 35
19 EL CAMINO REAL 46.26 45
20 EL CAMINO REAL 41.59 40
17 E GRAND AVE 39.88 35
18 E GRAND AVE 38.98 35
15 E GRAND AVE 37.64 35
16 E GRAND AVE 37.71 35
13 E CHERRY AVE 34.78 35
14 E CHERRY AVE 35.22 30
11 E BRANCH ST 35.24 30
12 E BRANCH ST 22.25 25
9 CORBETT CANYON RD 37.65 35
10 E BRANCH ST 32.33 30
7 CORBETT CANYON RD 50.31 45
8 CORBETT CANYON RD 44.01 40t
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#STREET FROM TO DIR POSTED
SPEED (MPH)85TH %ILE RECOMMENDED
SPEED (MPH)
Stagecoach Rd City Limits EB 45
Stagecoach Rd City Limits WB 45
Oak Park Blvd Equestrian Way EB 40
Oak Park Blvd Equestrian Way WB 40
Equestrian Way Rancho Pkwy EB 40
Equestrian Way Rancho Pkwy WB 40
Rancho Pkwy Hidden Oak Rd EB 40
Rancho Pkwy Hidden Oak Rd WB 40
Hidden Oak Rd Tally Ho Rd EB 35
Hidden Oak Rd Tally Ho Rd WB 35
N Mason St Via La Barranca EB N/A
N Mason St Via La Barranca WB N/A
E Grand Ave Brighton St NB 25
E Grand Ave Brighton St SB 25
E Grand Ave End of Cul de Sac NB 25
E Grand Ave End of Cul de Sac SB 25
E Grand Ave Bennett Ave NB 35
E Grand Ave Bennett Ave SB N/A
Le Point St E Branch St NB N/A
Le Point St E Branch St SB N/A
Farroll Ave Naples St NB 35
Farroll Ave Naples St SB 35
42 OAK PARK BLVD W Branch St James Way NB 40 42.04 40
43 OAK PARK BLVD James Way Meadowlark Dr NB 40 41.1 40
W Branch St Camino Mercado NB 35
W Branch St Camino Mercado SB 35
Camino Mercado Palos Secos NB 40
Camino Mercado Palos Secos SB 40
Palos Secos Refugio Pl NB 40
Palos Secos Refugio Pl SB 40
E Grand Ave Blueberry Ave NB 25
E Grand Ave Blueberry Ave SB N/A
Blueberry Ave Ash St NB 25
Blueberry Ave Ash St SB 25
E Grand Ave Maple St NB 35
E Grand Ave Maple St SB 35
Ash St Fair Oaks Ave NB 25
Ash St Fair Oaks Ave SB 25
Fair Oaks Ave Farroll Ave NB 30
Fair Oaks Ave Farroll Ave SB 30
The Pike City Limits NB 35
The Pike City Limits SB 35
Park Way Dodson Way NB 35
Park Way Dodson Way SB 35
Dodson Way Fair Oaks Ave NB 40
Dodson Way Fair Oaks Ave SB 40
Fair Oaks Ave The Pike NB 40
Fair Oaks Ave The Pike SB 40
Printz Rd James Way NB 35
Printz Rd James Way SB 35
James Way Via La Barranca NB 30
James Way Via La Barranca SB 3057TALLY HO RD 31.14 30
55 S HALCYON RD 40.36 40
56 TALLY HO RD 35.99 35
53 S HALCYON RD 37.84 35
54 S HALCYON RD 38.23 35
51 S ELM ST 31.53 30
52 S ELM ST 37.39 35
49 S ELM ST 38.27 35
50 S ELM ST 29.87 25
47 S COURTLAND ST 32.72 30
48 S COURTLAND ST 27.97 25
45 RANCHO PKWY 43.57 40
46 RANCHO PKWY 43.27 40
41 OAK PARK BLVD 37.88 35
44 RANCHO PKWY 36.87 35
39 N HALCYON RD 33.8 35
40 N MASON ST 25.36 25
37 N COURTLAND ST 30.06 25
38 N ELM ST 28.42 25
35 JAMES WAY 38.58 35
36 LE POINT ST 33.22 30
33 JAMES WAY 43.84 40
34 JAMES WAY 36.02 35
31 HUASNA RD 45.39 45
32 JAMES WAY 40.73 40t
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SEGMENTS WITH SPECIAL CONDITIONS
The following segments surveyed had recommended speed limits that were 5 miles
per hour or more below the critical speed due to conditions not readily apparent to the
driver. Each segment is discussed in further detail.
Segment #7- Corbett Canyon Road – From Printz Road to To City Limits
•Current Posted Speed Limit : 45 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 50.31 MPH
• Recommended Speed Limit: 45 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Low visibility on horizontal curve. Driveways
to residential homes.
Segment #11- E Branch Street – From Garden Street to Paulding Circle
•Current Posted Speed Limit : 30 MPH
•85th Percentile Calculation: 35.24 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 30 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Neighboring segments are 30 MPH going
eastbound and 25 going westbound This will create potential problems for vehicles
transitioning from a higher speed to a lower speed. Vertical curve is present.
#STREET FROM TO DIR POSTED
SPEED (MPH)85TH %ILE RECOMMENDED
SPEED (MPH)
Del Sol St S Elm St EB 35
Del Sol St S Elm St WB 35
S Elm St Gaynfair Tr EB 40
S Elm St Gaynfair Tr WB 40
Gaynfair Tr S Halcyon Rd EB 40
Gaynfair Tr S Halcyon Rd WB 40
W Branch St Fair Oaks Ave NB N/A
W Branch St Fair Oaks Ave SB 35
Fair Oaks Ave SB HWY 101 On Ramp NB 35
Fair Oaks Ave SB HWY 101 On Ramp SB 35
Fair Oaks Ave Sunrise Tr NB N/A
Fair Oaks Ave Sunrise Tr SB N/A
Sunrise Tr Tiger Tail Dr NB 40
Sunrise Tr Tiger Tail Dr SB 40
101 North Off-Ramp Bridge St EB 25
101 North Off-Ramp Bridge St WB N/A
E Grand Ave Vernon St EB N/A
E Grand Ave Vernon St WB N/A
Vernon St Old Ranch Rd EB 40
Vernon St Old Ranch Rd WB 40
Old Ranch Rd Rodeo Dr EB 40
Old Ranch Rd Rodeo Dr WB N/A
Rancho Pkwy Camino Mercado EB 40
Rancho Pkwy Camino Mercado WB 40
Camino Mercado N Oak Park Blvd EB 40
Camino Mercado N Oak Park Blvd WB 40
69 W BRANCH ST 40.36 40
70 W BRANCH ST 42.37 40
67 W BRANCH ST 41.99 40
68 W BRANCH ST 42.73 40
65 W BRANCH ST 26.25 25
66 W BRANCH ST 32.29 30
63 VALLEY RD 41.48 40
64 VALLEY RD 43.3 40
61 TRAFFIC WAY 35.66 35
62 TRAFFIC WAY 38.2 35
59 THE PIKE 37.79 35
60 THE PIKE 42.91 40
58 THE PIKE 34.75 35
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Segment #14- E Cherry Avenue – From Traffic Way to Pacific Coast Railway
• Current Posted Speed Limit: 25 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 35.22 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 30 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Residential on Westbound side. Development
on Eastbound side. Recommend monitoring “ROAD WORK” traffic control during
construction. Once development is completed an E&TS is recommended to reflect
change in travel patterns/behavior.
Segment #17- E Grand Avenue - From Brisco Road to Alder Street
•Current Posted Speed Limit: 35 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 39.88 MPH
• Recommended Speed Limit: 35 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. The adjacent segments shows travel behavior
at 35 MPH, for consistency in travel flow it is recommended to maintain the same
speed limit through this corridor.
Segment #27 Farroll Avenue - From S Elm Street to Victorian Court
• Current Posted Speed Limit: 30 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 35.06 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 30 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Residential driveways and sight distance due
to parked vehicles. This leads to a segment of an existing 25 MPH zone adjacent to this
segment.
Segment #33 James Way - From Equestrian Way to Rancho Parkway
•Current Posted Speed Limit: 40 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 43.84 MPH
• Recommended Speed Limit: 40 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Horizontal and Vertical curves in this area.
Will keep traffic consistent with Westbound and Eastbound existing speed limits.
Class II Bike lane facility are present in this segment.
Segment #35 James Way - From Hidden Oak Road to Tally Ho Road
•Current Posted Speed Limit: 35 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 35.40 MPH (east) 40.79 MPH (west)
• Recommended Speed Limit: 35 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Both directions have parking on both sides.
Residential homes with driveways on both sides.
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Segment #37 N Courtland Street - From E Grand Avenue to Brighton Street
• Current Posted Speed Limit: 25 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 30.06 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 25 MPH
Justification: A senior apartment complex is located on the west side of the roadway.
CVC Section 22352 allows adjustment for roadways adjacent to senior facilities when
“SENIOR" warning signs are in place.
Segment #50 S Elm Street - From Ash Street to Fair Oaks Avenue
• Current Posted Speed Limit: 25 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 29.87 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 25 MPH
Justification: A senior apartment complex is located on the east side of the roadway.
CVC Section 22352 allows adjustment for roadways adjacent to senior facilities when
“SENIOR" warning signs are in place.
Segment #62 Traffic Way - From Fair Oaks Avenue to 101 on Ramp
•Current Posted Speed Limit: 35 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 40.88 MPH (North) 32.07 (South)
• Recommended Speed Limit: 35 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied. Development on north side. Recommend
monitoring “ROAD WORK” traffic control during construction. A traffic signal is
proposed at the intersection of Fair Oaks Ave after E Cherry Development. Once
development is completed an E&TS is recommended to reflect change in travel
patterns/behavior.
Segment #64 Valley Road - From Sunrise Terrace to Tiger Tail Drive
• Current Posted Speed Limit: 40 MPH
• 85th Percentile Calculation: 43.3 MPH
•Recommended Speed Limit: 40 MPH
Justification: 5 MPH reduction applied.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
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LEGISLATIVE REFERENCES
APPLICABLE SECTIONS OF CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
SECTION 1. Section 627 of the Vehicle Code:
Section 627.
a)"Engineering and traffic survey," as used in this code, means a survey of
highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the
Department of Transportation for use by state and local authorities.
b)An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements
deemed necessary by the department, consideration of all of the following:
(1)Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.
(2)Accident records.
(3)Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the
driver.
c)When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local authorities, in
addition to the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision
(b) may consider all of the following:
(1)Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on the
particular portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto,
other than a business district:
A.Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of
a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13
or more separate dwelling houses or business structures.
B.Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance
of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is
occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business
structures.
C.The portion of highway is longer than one-quarter of a mile but
has the ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to
the length of the highway described in either subparagraph (A) or
(B).
(2)Pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Engineering and Traffic Survey
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Basic Speed Law
CVC Section 22350.
No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable
or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and
width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of
persons or property.
Speed Law Violations
CVC Section 22351.
(a)The speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in
Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is lawful unless clearly
proved to be in violation of the basic speed law.
(b)The speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed
limits in Section 22352 or established as authorized in this code is prima facie
unlawful unless the defendant establishes by competent evidence that the speed
in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic speed law at
the time, place and under the conditions then existing.
Prima Facie Speed Limits
CVC Section 22352.
The prima facie limits are as follows and shall be applicable unless changed as
authorized in this code and, if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving
notice thereof:
(a)Fifteen miles per hour:
(1) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100
feet of the approach to the crossing the driver does not have a clear
and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the
railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along such
railway. This subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway
grade crossing where a human flagman is on duty or a clearly
visible electrical or mechanical railway crossing signal device is
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installed but does not then indicate the immediate approach of a
railway train or car.
(2)When traversing any intersection of highways, if during the last
100 feet of the driver's approach to the intersection, the driver
does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection
and of any traffic upon all of the highways entering the
intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all those highways,
except at an intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-
way signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.
(3)On any alley.
(b)Twenty-five miles per hour:
(1)On any highway other than a state highway, in any business or
residence district unless a different speed is determined by local
authority under procedures set forth in this code.
(2)When approaching or passing a school building or the grounds
thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard
"SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving
the school either during school hours or during the noon recess
period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching
or passing any school grounds which are not separated from the
highway by a fence, gate or other physical barrier while the
grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a
standard "SCHOOL" warning sign. For purposes of this
subparagraph, standard "SCHOOL" warning signs may be placed
at any distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.
(3)When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by
senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a state highway
and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning sign. A local
authority may erect a sign pursuant to this paragraph when the
local agency makes a determination that the proposed signing
should be implemented. A local authority may request grant
funding from the Active Transportation Program pursuant to
Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 2380) of Division 3 of the
Streets and Highways Code, or any other grant funding available
to it, and use that grant funding to pay for the erection of those
signs, or may utilize any other funds available to it to pay for the
Engineering and Traffic Survey
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erection of those signs, including, but not limited to, donations
from private sources.
Increase of Local Speed Limits to 65 Miles Per Hour
CVC Section 22357.
(a)Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and
traffic survey that a speed greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the
orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe upon
any street other than a state highway otherwise subject to a prima facie limit of
25 miles per hour, the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare
a prima facie speed limit of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 miles per hour or a
maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, whichever is found most
appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and
safe. The declared prima facie or maximum speed limit shall be effective when
appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street and shall not
thereafter be revised except upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey.
This section does not apply to any 25-mile-per-hour prima facie limit which is
applicable when passing a school building or the grounds thereof or when
passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens.
(b)This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of
Section 22366.
Downward Speed Zoning
CVC Section 22358.5.
It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions such as width, curvature,
grade and surface conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in
the absence of other factors, would not require special downward speed zoning, as the
basic rule of Section 22350 is sufficient regulation as to such conditions.
Boundary Line Streets
CVC Section 22359.
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With respect to boundary line streets and highways where portions thereof are within
different jurisdictions, no ordinance adopted under Sections 22357 and 22358 shall be
effective as to any such portion until all authorities having jurisdiction of the portions
of the street concerned have approved the same. This section shall not apply in the
case of boundary line streets consisting of separate roadways within different
jurisdictions.
Speed Trap Prohibition
CVC Section 40801.
No peace officer or other person shall use a speed trap in arresting, or participating or
assisting in the arrest of, any person for any alleged violation of this code nor shall any
speed trap be used in securing evidence as to the speed of any vehicle for the purpose
of an arrest or prosecution under this code.
Speed Trap
CVC Section 40802.
(a)A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(1)A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with
boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that
the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes
the vehicle to travel the known distance.
(2)A particular section of a highway with a prima facie speed limit that is
provided by this code or by local ordinance under paragraph (1) of
subdivision (b) of Section 22352, or established under Section 22354,
22357, 22358 or 22358.3, if that prima facie speed limit is not justified
by an engineering and traffic survey conducted within five years
prior to the date of the alleged violation, and enforcement of the
speed limit involves the use of radar or any other electronic device
that measures the speed of moving object. This paragraph does not
apply to a local street, road, or school zone.
(b)(1) For purposes of this section, a local street or road is one that is functionally
classified as “local” on the “California Road Systems Maps,” that are approved
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by the Federal Highway Administration and maintained by the Department
of Transportation. When a street or road does not appear on the “California
Road System Maps,” it may be defined as a “local street or road” if it primarily
provides access to abutting residential property and meets the following three
conditions:
(A)Roadway width of not more than 40 feet.
(B)Not more than one-half mile of an uninterrupted length. Interruptions
shall include official traffic control devices as defined in Section 445.
(C)Not more than one traffic lane in each direction.
(2)For purposes of this section "school zone" means that area approaching or
passing a school building or the grounds thereof that is contiguous to a
highway and on which is posted a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign,
while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours
or during the noon recess period. "School zone" also includes the area
approaching or passing any school grounds that are not separated from
the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds
are in use by children if that highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL"
warning sign.
(c)(1) When all the following criteria are met, paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall
be applicable and subdivision (a) shall not be applicable:
(A)When radar is used, the arresting officer has successfully completed a
radar operator course of not less than 24 hours on the use of police
traffic radar, and the course was approved and certified by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
(B)When laser or any other electronic device is used to measure the speed
of moving objects, the arresting officer has successfully completed the
training required in subparagraph (A) and an additional training
course of not less than two hours approved and certified by the
Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
(C)(i) The prosecution proved that the arresting officer complied with
subparagraphs (A) and (B) and that an engineering and traffic
survey has been conducted in accordance with subparagraph (B) of
paragraph (2). The prosecution proved that, prior to the officer
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issuing the notice to appear, the arresting officer established that the
radar, laser, or other electronic device conformed to the
requirements of subparagraph (D).
(ii) The prosecution proved the speed of the accused was unsafe for the
conditions present at the time of alleged violation unless the
citation was for a violation of Section 22349, 22356, or 22406.
(D) The radar, laser, or other electronic device used to measure the speed of
the accused meets or exceeds the minimal operational standards of the
National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, and has been
calibrated within the three years prior to the date of the alleged
violation by an independent certified laser or radar repair and testing
or calibration facility.
(2)A "speed trap" is either of the following:
(A)A particular section of a highway measured as to distance and with
boundaries marked, designated, or otherwise determined in order that
the speed of a vehicle may be calculated by securing the time it takes
the vehicle to travel the known distance.
(B)(i) A particular section of a highway or state highway with a prima facie
speed limit that is provided by this code or by local ordinance under
paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 22352, or established under
Section 22354, 22357, 22358, or 22358.3, if that prima facie speed limit
is not justified by an engineering and traffic survey conducted within
one of the following time periods, prior to the date of the alleged
violation, and enforcement of speed limit involves the use of radar or
any other electronic device that measures the speed of moving objects:
(I)Except as specified in subclause (II), seven years.
(II)If an engineering and traffic survey was conducted more than
seven years prior to the date of the alleged violation, and a
registered engineer evaluates the section of the highway and
determines that no significant changes in roadway or traffic
conditions have occurred, including, but not limited to,
changes in adjoining property or land use, roadway width, or
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traffic volume, 10 years.
(ii)This subparagraph does not apply to a local street, road, or school zone.
Speed Trap Evidence
CVC Section 40803.
a)No evidence as to the speed of a vehicle upon a highway shall be admitted in
any court upon the trial of any person in any prosecution under this code upon
a charge involving the speed of a vehicle when the evidence is based upon or
obtained from or by the maintenance or use of a speedtrap.
b)In any prosecution under this code of a charge involving the speed of a vehicle,
where enforcement involves the use of radar or other electronic devices which
measure the speed of moving objects, the prosecution shall establish, as part of
its prima facie case, that the evidence or testimony presented is not based upon
a speed trap as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802.
c)When a traffic and engineering survey is required pursuant to paragraph (2) of
subdivision (a) of Section 40802, evidence that a traffic and engineering survey
has been conducted within five years of the date of the alleged violation or
evidence that the offense was committed on a local street or road as defined in
paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 40802 shall constitute a prima facie
case that the evidence or testimony is not based upon a speed trap as defined in
paragraph (2) subdivision (a) of Section 40802.
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City of Arroyo Grande
Engineering and Traffic Survey
APPENDIX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A ................... Radar Speed Distribution
B ................... Collision Rates
C ................... Average Daily Traffic Volumes
D................... Speed Survey Segments Map (Attachment 2) & (Attachment 3)
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APPENDIX A
Radar Speed Distribution
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APPENDIX B
Collision Rates
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APPENDIX C
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) Volumes
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APPENDIX D
Speed Survey Segments Map (Attachment 2) & (Attachment 3)
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58 59 60
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SPEED SURVEY 2018
THIS MAP DISPLAYS STREET SEGMENTS SURVEYED AS PART OF THE 2016 AND 2018
SPEED SURVEY EFFORTS. SEGMENTS ARE LABELED BY SEGMENT ID. APPROXIMATE
RADAR LOCATIONS ARE ALSO SHOWN FOR REFERENCE.
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT | ENGINEERING DIVISION
SURVEY SEGMENTS AND APPROXIMATE RADAR LOCATIONS
SURVEY SEGMENTS
CITY LIMITS
2016 RADAR LOCATIONS
2018 RADAR LOCATIONS
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47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58 59 60
61
62
63
64
656667
68
69
70
SPEED SURVEY 2018
THIS MAP DISPLAYS STREET SEGMENTS SURVEYED AS PART OF THE 2016 AND 2018
SPEED SURVEY EFFORTS. SEGMENTS ARE LABELED BY SEGMENT ID. ADJACENT
PARCEL LAND USE FOR EACH SEGMENT IS ALSO SHOWN FOR REFERENCE.
CITY OF ARROYO GRANDE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT | ENGINEERING DIVISION
SURVEY SEGMENTS AND ADJACENT PARCEL LAND USE
SURVEY SEGMENTS
CITY LIMITS
LAND USE CATEGORIES
AGRICULTURE
CONSERVATION OPEN SPACE
COMMUNITY FACILITIES
SINGLE FAMILY VERY LOW DENSITY
SINGLE FAMILY LOW DENSITY
SINGLE FAMILY LOW-MEDIUM DENSITY
SINGLE FAMILY MEDIUM DENSITY
MULTI-FAMILY MEDIUM-HIGH DENSITY
MULTI-FAMILY HIGH DENSITY
MULTI-FAMILY VERY HIGH DENSITY
MIXED-USE
VILLAGE CORE
OFFICE PROFESSIONAL
REGIONAL COMMERCIAL
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ATTACHMENT 3
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