New speed limit signs went up last weekend. They seem so low (some actually say "10" and "15" mph) that they might be perceived as a joke, encouraging speeding. And there are so many of them they're an eyesore.

-- Anonymous, November 10, 1998

Answers

A Note About Speed Limit Signs in SPC:

The installation of speed limit signs in SPC has become quite a complicated issue. Because our roads are private, the Home Owners Association (HOA) assumes full responsibility, including liability, for road maintenance and safety. Based upon a traffic study conducted in SPC some time ago (commissioned and paid for by the developer), the maximum recommended speed in the community is 25 mph. The 20 mph (and lower) signs are being placed only at designated "slow down" areas like sharp curves, etc. The recommended 25 mph signs are delayed, but will be installed soon. Interestingly, we have recently been told by another engineer that it might be reasonable (for both safety and HOA liability concerns) to designate long stretches of streets such as Via Entrada as "main traffic arteries" -- possibly allowing for an increased speed limit there. Because of the liability issues, the HOA is currently obligated to follow the recommendations of the only traffic study we have. Deviations from, or modifications to, the original traffic study recommendations cannot be entertained without a valid "second opinion" from a certified engineer -- at additional cost to the HOA. We are currently considering the possibility of retaining a consultant engineer to re-evaluate the recommendations of the original traffic study. If the Board is willing to commit the funds to do so, we will ask the consultant engineer to address several issues: the "main artery" possibility noted above, the use of yellow warning signs instead of multiple speed limit signs, and the overall number of signs needed.

The main on-site work involved in sign installation is the planting of sign posts. Given the difficulties we have encountered in actually getting work crews to the site, we have opted to proceed with sign placement now, rather than waiting for all the issues noted above to be resolved. Priority was given to the placement of signs at those areas considered most dangerous by the orginal traffic study. With sign posts in place, it is a fairly simple matter to change the actual signs, if necessary.

Some homeowners have expressed concerns over speed bumps -- there are currently no plans to pursue the use of speed bumps or humps in SPC.

The Executive Board of the HOA and the Safety Committee are striving to strike an appropriate balance between the aesthetic impact of street signs, safety, and homeowner convenience. Please keep us informed of your thoughts, observations, and suggestions -- feedback from homeowners is very helpful.

Ralph Bryan, Chair, Safety Committee

-- Anonymous, November 14, 1998

The quantity and position of the speed limit signs seems to be different that what Im use to on public roads. I would strongly recommend retaining a consultant engineer to re-evaluate the recommendations of the original traffic study. I know this is additional cost to HOA, however, if signs need to be repositioned then the cost is justified.

Thanks,

-- Anonymous, November 27, 1998