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CITY OF GENEVA
Speed Control Policy

PREAMBLE

The City's Speed Control Policy was developed by a Task Force of citizens, elected officials, and City Staff and is intended to guide the process for the Geneva Police Department to address citizen and neighborhood complaints on speeding and related safety concerns.  A significant resource in developing the policy is the Neighborhood Traffic Planning Manual by Barton-Aschman Associates, Inc.  dated December, 1991.  It is important to note, however, that the policy process is not intended either to be limiting or to be all inclusive.  Responses will always need to be customized to meet the needs of the street configuration and current and projected traffic patterns in the affected neighborhood.

Outline for Speed Control Policy Process

  1. Citizen Complaint - Speeding or Safety Concern
    A.    Contact Police Department for Preliminary Review
    B.    Develop Neighborhood Petition of Affected Residents*

  2. Conduct Speed Study
    A.    Consider Time of Day Response, e.g. a.m./p.m. rush hour, midday

  3. Evaluation by Police Department
    A.    Determine the Appropriate Response Category Based on Study

  4. Consider Response Measures (Based on Study)
    A.    If 85th Percentile Upper Limit at 0-5 MPH Above Speed Limit
            1.    No Action Taken
    B.    If 85th Percentile Upper Limit at 6-10 MPH Above Speed Limit
            1.    Consider Moderate Response Measures (to include but not be limited to)
                    a.    increase random enforcement / implement O-ticket Program
                    b.    install striped parking spaces to narrow the street
                    c.    install signage, e.g. yield signs
                    d.    use speed device (equipment) display board
                    e.    implement neighborhood watch programs
                    f.    use pavement markings
                    g.    increase police presence including use of ghost car
    C.    If 85th Percentile Upper Limit at 10+ MPH Above Speed Limit
            1.    Consider Significant Response Measures (to include but not be limited to)
                    a.    implement significant enforcement at prescribed times
                    b.    narrow streets when resurfacing
                    c.    install temporary / permanent chokers
                    d.    install traffic circles
                    e.    install diverters / speed humps
                    f.    implement photo-cop
                    g.    install warranted traffic control devices

  5. Proposed Measures Summarized and Reported for Consideration
    A.    By Affected neighborhood Residents (through standard form survey)
    B.    By Operators of Emergency Vehicles, School Buses, Sanitation Vehicles
    C.    By Respective City Council Committees (Public Safety and/or Transportation/Parking)

  6. Final Report Issued to the Neighborhood Residents and City Council

  7. City Council Consideration - Required if Budget or Ordinance Amendments are Necessary to Implement the Proposed Measures

  8. Evaluation by Police Department - Effectiveness of Measures
    A.    Conduct Follow-up Speed Study

* Affected residents are defined as homeowners/tenants who have frontage on the street section of concern and two residences in either direction on the intersecting streets