Trying to Get Over the Hump to Slow Traffic

Dear Traffic Talk:

I live in the 5600 block of Vesper Avenue, one block west of Van Nuys Boulevard and north of Burbank Boulevard.

It took all of about five minutes after we received the keys to our new home for us to realize the street is a virtual raceway and a literal auto testing ground. Potential buyers at nearby auto dealerships test the pickup of the cars by racing on Vesper Avenue between Burbank Boulevard and Oxnard Street.

Aside from that, others in a hurry use this route as a detour from the long Van Nuys Boulevard traffic signal.

There are so many children on these couple blocks, and the parents, including myself, are in an uproar.

Nobody lets their children go near the street, but kids are kids and can’t be expected to always listen.

Many neighborhood pets have been killed by speeding cars. I personally have seen a neighborhood girl narrowly missed by a speeding car.

This street is also a direct walking route to Van Nuys Middle School and utilized by many children every morning and afternoon.

I have been informed that a block association tried to have the city install speed bumps but was turned down. Nobody on the block can understand why.

We have discussed organizing another petition but do not have the clear-cut facts on the first denial.

Annie Gary

Van Nuys

Dear Annie:

There is a a process through which residents can petition the Los Angeles Department of Transportation for speed humps.

However, the agency’s speed hump program--which has been in existence for two years--does not have a record of a request from residents anywhere near this area, said David Roseman, an engineer with the department.

He said he also checked other department records going back several more years and no correspondence was found.

The speed hump program was created to address speeding problems in residential neighborhoods.

Concerned residents can contact the department--which sends out packages containing 14 criteria and other information about how to obtain the humps.

First, at least 75% of frontage property owners in the block in question have to sign a petition.

Then, engineers verify, among other things, that there is a speed problem and that the area is not a main thoroughfare, Roseman said. They evaluate other factors such as drainage, grade and potential for diversion.

The humps are paid for by public funds as they become available or by citizens who wish to pay for them privately.

More detailed information about the process is available by calling (213) 580-5214.

Dear Traffic Talk:

The signs along carpool lanes state: “Do not stop.”

Does this sign apply only when the meter is on?

What about when the meter is off and the car doesn’t carry the minimum required persons on board?

Ed Llamado

Glendale

Dear Ed:

That sign applies only when the meter is on, according to authorities.

When the meter if off, single drivers can use either lane, without stopping, to access the freeway, said Pat Reid, a Caltrans spokeswoman.

Traffic Talk appears Fridays in The Times Valley Edition. Readers may submit comments and questions about traffic in the Valley to Traffic Talk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited, and no anonymous letters will be accepted. To record your comments, call (818) 772-3303. Fax letters to (818) 772-3385. E-mail questions to [email protected]