Within Neighborhoods

Speeding on residential streets is a common concern reported by the public. While the obvious solution may appear to be the enforcement of the speed limit, and other traffic regulations, the resources of the Los Angeles Police Department are limited. To request enforcement of a traffic regulation dial 3-1-1 from any phone within the City to reach a "One Call to City Hall" Operator and ask for traffic enforcement.

Sometimes an engineering solution may be appropriate. LADOT engineers will gather information and determine what options are available. If the problem is limited to a particular location or street, the engineer might consider site specific options such as the installation of stop signs, pedestrian crossing signs, or curve warning signs. Another option might be physical roadway features such as speed humps. If an area-wide problem is determined to exist, a much more intensive process is required that involves affected parties. The types of options are expanded to include signal timing modifications, turn restrictions, the channelization of traffic and/or roadway modifications.

A common concern of residential neighborhoods adjacent to commercial districts is the overflow of business related parkers. In these types of situations, preferential parking districts can be considered, where residents are exempted from parking restrictions.

Other neighborhood traffic calming concerns involve establishing parking regulations, rerouting truck traffic, and improving intersection and pedestrian safety.

For more information on possible measures visit LADOT's TIPS (Transportation Information, Programs and Services) page. To contact one of our engineers, simply dial 3-1-1 from any phone within the City and a "One Call to City Hall" Operator will put you in touch with the correct LADOT District Engineering Office. You'll need your zip code and area of the City.

Now here is something that you could do to help us out. Since many of the traffic problems in residential areas, like excessive speeding, are caused by the poor behavior of motorists, the City developed a traffic safety education and awareness program, known as "WATCH THE ROAD." The campaign targets the behaviors that contribute to thousands of needless crashes each year. Easily recognizable messages are being directed to motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The high impact safety messages are disseminated through various print and electronic media resources and neighborhood groups. Police enforcement of selected messages is being coordinated, within the constraints of limited resources. For more information on the Watch the Road program, go to the website, watchtheroad.org.

If you would like enforcement of existing parking regulations or have a concern about abandoned vehicles call the LADOT Communications Center at (213) 485-4184 or 752-5100.