There will be multiple traffic ordinances put to a vote at Monday night’s Urbana City Council meeting.
The main intentions of the drafted ordinances are converting yield signs to stop signs, prohibiting parking on certain street curbs and limiting parking during certain hours.
Dennis Roberts, Ward 5 alderman, said the traffic commission meets once a month, and it brings ordinances and proposals to the city council on a monthly basis.
The traffic commission spends about $7 million on the city’s needs, which include snow removal, traffic control and sewer maintenance, said Diane Marlin, Ward 7 alderwoman.
The city follows national recommendations from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices from the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Charlie Smyth, Ward 1 alderman. State regulations also come into play, such as the prohibition of parking on curbs.
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“Having a standard system across the country … it’s a good thing for everybody,” Smyth added. “There is a whole series of state and national recommendations for traffic control.”
Roberts said the ordinance about converting yield to stop signs is being brought to attention because a yield sign has not been proven as an adequate traffic control device. This is because it gives the driver the chance to drive through intersections; a stop sign regulates traffic flow from a side street to a main street, helps avoid accidents and forces the driver to look both ways.
Roberts suggests converting yield signs into stop signs for better safety practices.
While Roberts said his worst driving experience stems from the congested traffic pattern on Springfield Avenue, he said he finds people fairly courteous. In Urbana, most people stop for pedestrians and let them have a chance to cross the street, he added.
Marlin said one of her worst driving experiences came when a driver she was following on Florida Avenue drove onto the sidewalk, causing her to fear for the safety of the people on the sidewalk. However, she said her two minute commute from home to work is the best driving experience because there are no traffic delays in the city.
“Traffic control is designed to control the chaos,” Smyth said. “Part of the city’s job is to take care of the streets.”
