CHARLOTTE — It is now easier for Charlotte residents to request speed bumps and multiway stop signs in their neighborhoods.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Requesting stop signs, speed bumps in Charlotte neighborhoods could get easier ]
It’s a small step, but one city leaders hope will make the streets safer.
Under old guidelines, people who wanted a three- or four-way stop sign or speed bump added to their street would need to collect a petition signed by 60% of people living within 1,200 feet of the addition.
The Charlotte City Council unanimously voted Monday night to scrap that process.
“Previously, a person requesting traffic calming measures may have had to go door-to-door in order to return a successful petition,” said Angela Berry, who manages the city’s Vision Zero program to eliminate traffic-related deaths and serious injuries, in a news release. “This placed the burden of traffic calming on the public, and it could be difficult in neighborhoods that are not formally organized or have a high number of renters.”
Under new guidance that went into effect immediately, it will take only one person to request a change. The Charlotte Department of Transportation will now have the onus of notifying everyone who lives nearby and talking to anyone with concerns about the signage or speed bump. Ultimately, whether the change is implemented will depend on if traffic data supports the request.
[ ALSO READ: Charlotte officials test speed hump alternatives after concerns about fire response time ]
City leaders say they hope the change leads to fewer crashes and deaths on Charlotte roads.
“I think there is a universal desire from council, at least from the committee, to make it easier on citizens and their neighborhoods to help guide the investments that are made to make our roads safer,” said Larken Egleston, a representative for District 1.
Under an opposition-based process, a traffic calming measure is requested by a resident and evaluated and approved by the city.
The Charlotte Department of Transportation will then send postcards to the street’s residents to inform them of the coming traffic-calming measure: a speed hump, a multiway stop, or both. Neighbors will have 45 days to let the city know of any opposition. If there is opposition, the city will work with the neighborhood to seek a solution. A spokesperson for CDOT says If they cannot come to a mutual conclusion, the original person who submitted the request will be asked to follow the petition process to obtain 60% approval of the property owners within the impact area.
North Charlotte resident Gary Marion petitioned for speed bumps on West Craighead Road a few years ago. He said the change is welcome.
“I met everyone in the neighborhood. Interesting group of people, but collectively most of the folks in the neighborhood are nice,” he said. “It is a long time coming.”
The city expects $1.5 million for traffic calming measures if the Vision Zero bonds pass in November.
As part of its Vision Zero program, the Charlotte City Council has been taking small measures like this one to improve safety. A few years ago, city leaders set the default Charlotte speed limit at 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.
(WATCH BELOW: Daredevil dirt bike riders continue to be a nuisance on Charlotte roads)
This browser does not support the video element.