Exh 8G8G
NOVEMBER 13, 2000
STAFF REPORT
CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
AGENDA ITEM: Stop Sign Report
DATE: October 25, 2000
SUBMITTED BY: David E. Thompson, Chief of Police(DPS
BACKGROUND: The Police Department was asked to compile a report for the City
Commission relative to the stop signs throughout the city that are
unnecessary and could be removed without jeopardizing public
safety. Police officers identified a number of stop signs that are
located at intersections that do not have any specific flaws or
designs that make them inherently unsafe. Typically, the stop signs
are located at intersections where there aze three-way or four-way
stops.
Before continuing with this report, it is necessary to understand and
consider that many stop signs were erected based on citizen
requests. In some cases, citizens presented petitions to the City
Commission, and the City Commission specifically approved the
installations of the signs. Although some people might question
stop signs being erected for "political purposes", the fact that
Atlantic Beach elected officials listen to constituents is a desirable
quality as long as the decisions are well researched and considered
in advance.
The removal of stop signs should be not taken lightly or without
due consideration for the public. People alter their behaviors based
on traffic controls. When they walk to the pazks, beaches, and
stores, they often choose routes that have intersections with stop
signs so that they can cross the roadway more safely. The removal
of the stop signs will undoubtedly result in protests from people
who like to have the stop signs there.
It is notable that some stop signs were installed for reasons other
than the design of the intersections. Sometimes the stop signs were
erected to force traffic traveling at higher speeds to slow down
while entering a neighborhood or low volume roadway. Some
were installed to allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the
roadway more safely. Some were probably erected to force traffic
to slow down on long, straight roadways. And in some cases, we
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NOVEMBER 13, 2000
don't know why the stop signs were installed or who authorized
them. However, all traffic controls on Ocean Blvd., Eastcoast
Drive, Sherry Drive, Sailfish Drive; Royal Palms Drive, Plaza
Drive, and Seminole Road, were approved by the City
Commission. These are "through streets", and the City
Commission authorized all traffic controls on these streets.
The following locations have been identified as having more stop
signs than necessary, based on the designs of the intersections:
7"' Street and Beach Ave
10`" Street and Beach Ave
11`h Street and Eastcoast Drive
12"' Street and Ocean BIvd
No Known History
No Known History
No Known History
Installed by City Commission
based on petitions from
residents
Pine Street and David Street
Installed due to requests by
residents due to pedestrians,
bicyclists, and children... no
sidewalks in the area
West 6`" Street and Orchid No Known History
Selva Manna Drive and Country Club Installed after survey
of residents supported
them, pedestrians,
bicycles; no sidewalks
Selva Marina Drive and Palmwood
Installed after survey
of residents supported
them, pedestrians,
bicycles, no sidewalks
Sea Spray and Sailfish Drive
Main Street and b"` Street
No Known History
Requested by residents due to
traffic, pedestrians, bicycles,
no sidewalks
Main Street and 9`s Street Requested by residents due to
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NOVEMBER 13, 2000
traffic ,pedestrians, bicycles,
no sidewalks
In general, negative consequences of stop signs include increased noise, air pollution, and traffic
congestion. People are also prone to increase their speeds between traffic controls, especially if
they believe that a stop sign was an unnecessary obstacle to their travel. Some stop signs might
even increase the crash rates of motorists.
Relative to these Atlantic Beach stop signs, most of the stop signs listed above have been in place
for many yeazs, and motorists and residents have adjusted to these inconveniences. None of these
intersections have been particularly high in the number of traffic crashes, leading us to conclude
that the stop signs do not appeaz to have an adverse impact on the traffic safety.
Summary:
This listing is intended to identify stop signs that are not necessary due to any inherent designs in
the intersections. However, it should not be interpreted as a recommendation to remove or
eliminate the stop signs.
RECOMMENDATIONS: None
ATTACHMENTS:
REVIEWED BY CITY
AGENDA ITE]yI NUMBER: