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In the meantime, the use of the Neighborhood Speed Watch Program (radar trailer) and Neighborhood Entry signs continue to be available.
In fact, 'Children at Play' signs can increase the potential for accidents by giving a false sense of protection to children and parents which cannot be guaranteed.
For these reasons, national traffic standards, such as the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), don't recognize such warning signs and discourage their use. Our department doesn't want to encourage children to play within the roadway, which is intended exclusively for the use of vehicles.
Additionally, to maintain consistency we would have to post the signs in so many locations throughout the county that they would cease to command the attention or respect of drivers.
In the months following their installation, the overall effectiveness as well as the public's receptiveness was evaluated by way of before and after speed/volume studies and neighborhood surveys. These results were provided to the County Council for further direction. Subsequently, permanent speed humps replaced the temporary humps in these two neighborhoods in 2007. In 2008, two more neighborhoods were selected for the Traffic Calming Pilot Program and were fitted with several speed humps.
In addition to the speed humps, the County also installed 12 driver feedback signs on arterial roads as a part of the Pilot Program. The effectiveness of these electronic signs in slowing arterial traffic has been mixed, primarily due to equipment reliability issues.
Neighborhoods and law enforcement can also make difference by working in groups to combat the problem. The most effective way of reducing a speeding problem is through selective enforcement, which is working with the Sheriff's Office on traffic infractions in your area. You can reach the neighborhood patrol deputy by phone at (253) 798-4840.
You can also report incidents at (253) 798-4840. When reporting, prepare to give Sherrif's Department deputies as much information as possible, such as:
'Neighborhood Entry' signs must be approved by the county engineer. Neighborhood groups or individuals are responsible for all costs associated with manufacturing, installing and maintaining the signs. To have the county engineer consider your neighborhood, request the 'Neighborhood Entry' Sign request form.
Pierce County wants to hear from you. Please select one of the following to talk to elected officials and staff, or to report problems in our community.