AGENDA DATE: 7/8/2015
TITLE:
Title
Enhanced Speeding Fines on Carrsbrook Drive
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Resolution requesting VDOT to install signs to establish maximum penalty for exceeding posted speed limit on Carrsbrook Drive
ITEM TYPE: Consent Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Foley, Walker, Davis, Graham, Benish and Gatobu
PRESENTER (S): N/A
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Thomas C. Foley
BACKGROUND: Residents of the Carrsbrook Subdivision have expressed concern about cut through traffic and speeding in the subdivision. In an effort to evaluate and resolve speeding issues in the subdivision, the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) conducted a speed/traffic study on Carrsbrook Drive (Route 854), which concluded that there is a speeding problem on Carrsbrook Drive. Based on the study results, residents of the subdivision have requested that staff bring forward to the Board of Supervisors for its consideration a request for VDOT to install sign(s) on Carrsbrook Drive alerting motorists that there will be a fine of up to $200 for exceeding the established speed limit pursuant to Virginia Code § 46.2-878.2.
Virginia Code § 46.2-878.2 (see Attachment A) provides that "Operation of any motor vehicle in excess of a maximum speed limit established for a highway in a residence district of a county, city, or town, when indicated by appropriately placed signs displaying the maximum speed limit and the penalty for violations, shall be unlawful and constitute a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of $200, in addition to other penalties provided by law."
It is the Commonwealth Transportation Board's policy (Attachment A) that VDOT, upon a formal request from the local governing body, will install signs on local residential streets, collector streets, and minor arterial streets with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or lower advising motorists of a maximum punishment of $200, in addition to other penalties provided by law, for exceeding the speed limit in certain residence districts.
STRATEGIC PLAN:
1. Successfully engage citizens so that local government reflects their values and aspirations
2. Prioritize, plan and invest in critical infrastructure that responds to past and future changes and improves the capacity to serve community needs
DISCUSSION: Carrsbrook Drive is a paved two (2) lane residential roadway with a 25 miles per hour (mph) posted speed limit. The ACPD conducted a speed/traffic study on Carrsbrook Drive during the period of Tuesday May 26, 2015 through Monday June 1, 2015. The study was conducted on the 400 block of Carrsbrook Drive, monitoring traffic in the area of 414 Carrsbrook Drive, approximately 435 feet north of Westmoreland Road (Attachment C). Traffic was monitored in both directions. The study found that 26.42% percent of vehicles at the study location exceeded the posted speed limit by 10 mph or more. The Albemarle County Police Department found evidence of a speeding problem at the particular location, and staff recommends that the Board request VDOT to install signs establishing an additional fine of $200 for exceeding the established speed limit on Carrsbrook Drive.
To qualify for sign installation, a highway must meet the following criteria:
1. Meet the definition of local residential, collector, or minor arterial street as defined by VDOT (see Attachment A); and
2. Have a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or lower.
Carrsbrook Drive satisfied the above criteria. To establish an enhanced maximum fine on Carrsbrook Drive, the County must first request, by Resolution of the Board, that VDOT install the appropriate signs as required by Virginia Code § 46.2-878.2. The Resolution (Attachment D) and the following supporting data would then be submitted to VDOT:
1. Identification of the neighborhood and specific highway(s) where the signs are requested to be installed; 2. Confirmation that the highway(s) meet the definitions of local residential, collector, or minor arterial streets as defined by VDOT; and
3. Notification that a speeding problem exists and that the increased penalty has community support.
The requested sign(s) would be installed within 60 days after VDOT's approval.
BUDGET IMPACT: VDOT will pay for providing and installing the signs. The ACPD will be responsible for enforcement, and ACPD staff estimates that this will have no impact on ACPD's staffing or budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment D) requesting that VDOT install signs to establish an additional maximum $200 fine for exceeding the established speed limit on Carrsbrook Drive, pursuant to Virginia Code § 46.2-878.2.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. VDOT Policy
B. Area Map
C. Carrsbrook Drive Speed Study
D. Resolution