DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E., Director/City Engineer
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Proposed "Don't Block the Box" Ordinance and Campaign
SUMMARY:
On May 6, 2016, Council member Rey Salda?a requested City staff research and recommend measures to address mobility and safety at critical intersections in San Antonio.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio is one of the fastest growing U.S. cities and will continue to experience significant population growth over the next 25 years. In an effort to help ease traffic congestion at key intersections, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and Transportation & Capital Improvements (TCI) are prepared to launch a "Don't Block the Box" educational and enforcement campaign. The concept of using the "Don't Block the Box" campaign at key intersections is an effort to reduce the occurrence of vehicles blocking cross traffic from moving forward and preventing mobility in crosswalks and bike lanes.
ISSUE:
"Don't Block the Box" will be an educational and enforcement effort to bring awareness on the impact that driver's behavior has on safety and street accessibility. Vehicles that enter intersections when it may not be possible to cross before the light changes create both traffic bottlenecks and hazardous situations for emergency vehicles and pedestrians. If approved, SAPD will focus resources at identified key intersections throughout the City where peak congestion is expected. This initiative will include enforcement efforts to reduce driving behaviors that lead to increased congestion. TCI will be facilitating a "Don't Block the Box" pilot campaign that will include a public awareness outreach component and installation of "Don't Block the Box" symbol signs at the key intersections.
RECOMMENDATION:
TCI, in coordination with the SAPD, recommends forwarding this issue to the Criminal Justice, Public Safety and Serv...
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