January 6, 1999 T-2
The Honorable Board of Supervisors
County of Los Angeles
383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Supervisors:
RADAR SPEED ENFORCEMENT
SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT 4
3 VOTES
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOUR BOARD:
Adopt an Order instructing Public Works to:
1. Coordinate with the California Highway Patrol to implement radar speed enforcement on Gunn Avenue between the City of Whittier boundary 300 feet north of Lanning Drive and Telegraph Road.
2. Provide the necessary radar equipment and arrange for it use by the California Highway Patrol.
PURPOSE OF RECOMMENDED ACTION
The California Highway Patrol is concerned about public safety in pursuing speeders with conventional speed enforcement measures and has requested the use of radar speed enforcement on these routes.
JUSTIFICATION
Our investigation verified that a significant portion of traffic on this route in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles is exceeding the posted speed limit. High-speed surveillance and pursuit exposes the offender, law enforcement personnel, and the general public to increased accident potential. The use of radar will significantly reduce accident potential.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are included in the Department's Road Fund budget to cover the minor cost of providing the necessary radar equipment and arranging for its use by the California Highway Patrol.
FINANCING
Financing is not required.
FACTS AND PROVISIONS/LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
On March 31, 1987, your Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Highway Patrol for the expanded use of radar enforcement within the unincorporated County area. The Memorandum of Understanding was revised and approved as an agreement between the County and the California Highway Patrol by your Board on October 5, 1993. A key provision of the agreement is that the use of radar on any additional routes be subject to mutual approval of the County and the California Highway Patrol. The proposed recommendation for the use of radar on these routes is in conformance with this provision of the 1993 agreement.
IMPACT ON CURRENT SERVICES (OR PROJECTS)
Not applicable.
NEGATIVE DECLARATION/ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS
The establishment of radar enforcement, including the installation of related traffic control devices required to notify the motoring public, is categorically exempt under Class I-(X)7 of the Environmental Guidelines approved by your Board.
CONCLUSION
At such time as this recommendation may be approved, please return one copy of this letter to Public Works.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY W. STONE
Director of Public Works
WLT:ce
GUNN
cc: Chief Administrative Officer
County Counsel