How Can We Get a Stop Sign at a Busy Intersection in Los Angeles?
Erecting a stop sign at a busy intersection can help to prevent accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians. Getting the City of Los Angeles to erect a stop sign at a specific intersection will require significant effort, since there may be a valid reason for the intersection not already having a stop sign. The high volume of traffic in the city requires large-scale coordination of routes throughout the region, and the addition of a stop sign at one intersection may negatively impact other intersections. To have the best chance of succeeding in getting a stop sign erected, you must be methodical in your approach.
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Instructions
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Gather together a group of people that agree that the intersection is problematic and needs a stop sign. A group request may receive more serious consideration that that of an individual.
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Collect evidence and data to support your reasoning for requesting a stop sign. If there have been accidents, document each incident in detail. To be taken seriously, you need to present a polite, reasonable and well-thought-out request.
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Contact the Office of Transportation Operations at the City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation by calling the City's 3-1-1 "One Call to City Hall" telephone line. This office is responsible for authorizing, installing and maintaining traffic signals and signs. Request that a staff member meet your group at the location to discuss your concerns.
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Contact your local City of Los Angeles council member if your request to the Department of Transportation is not successful. Los Angeles is divided into 15 districts, and each council member wields significant power within his district. Visit the City's official website and enter the location in the neighborhood resources section on the home page. This will inform you who your local council member is. If your request has validity, she may be prepared to work with the Department of Transportation on your behalf to try to resolve the request in a manner that will make the intersection safer.
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Tips & Warnings
Try to stay objective. If you or a loved one has had an accident at this intersection and you are feeling emotional, it may be easier for someone else to state your request objectively.
Remember that your intersection is just one of thousands in the city. The Department of Transportation will consider your request in relation to not only that intersection but its overall impact on traffic.
Be prepared to accept an alternative solution. A stop sign may not be appropriate, but the Department's experienced traffic planners may have other options that will work at this specific location.
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