CC SR 20160503 04 - PVDE Switchback Speed EnforcementRANCHO PALOS VERDES CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 05/03/2016
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA DESCRIPTION:
Consideration and possible action to address vehicle noise and speeding in the Palos
Verdes Drive East "Switchbacks" area.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Direct the Sheriff's Department to proceed with the "zero tolerance" enforcement
plan of the Switchbacks area and direct Staff to support the plan by assisting with
public outreach; and,
(2) Direct Public Works to add transverse pavement markings to work in conjunction
with the Sheriff's "zero tolerance" enforcement plan
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Amount Budgeted: N/A
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): N/A
ORIGINATED BY: Dan Beringer, Captain, Lomita Sheriff's Station
Nicole Jules, Deputy Director of Public Works
Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager
REVIEWED BY: Gabriella Yap, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED BY: Doug Willmore, City Manager V*O-
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. Sections 27150 of the California Vehicle Code (page A-1)
B. Images of Transverse Pavement Markings (page B-1)
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION:
A section of Palos Verdes Drive East, located between Ganado Drive and Palos Verdes
Drive South, is known as "The Switchbacks." This stretch of roadway has become
increasingly popular with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts over the years,
especially since the advent of social media. Complaints of speeding, reckless driving,
and excessive engine noise have also increased. The noise generated by illegally -
modified motorcycle exhaust systems is a major quality of life issue and infringes on the
peace and tranquility of nearby residential neighborhoods.
The Sheriff's Department has had some success with enforcement operations in the
past, but as summer approaches, a "zero tolerance" enforcement plan, coupled with a
public awareness campaign, are necessary. Because of the particular days of the week
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and/or times of day most popular among riders varies, enforcement can be difficult. The
Sheriff's Department contacted several police agencies who have historically dealt with
the same issues in their communities to develop an action plan. The plan consists of
increased Sheriff's Department presence by way of existing personnel; the use of decoy
vehicles, portable message board, noise enforcement training for Sheriff's Department
personnel, and community outreach to affected neighborhoods; and a social media
campaign which would market the "zero tolerance" enforcement approach. In addition,
the Council could add transverse pavement markings to assist in slowing down vehicles
in the Switchbacks area without causing additional noise.
Increased Sheriff's Presence
Directed Patrol and Focused Enforcement
The Sheriff's Department recommends utilizing existing overtime funding for varying
directed patrol and dedicated enforcement on the Switchbacks at times most consistent
with noise complaints. In addition, existing traffic units will be directed to increase their
presence between calls for service and other enforcement activities.
Use of the City's mobile message board, strategically placed at the side of the roadway,
is another way to reach riders. A message stating, "Zero Tolerance for Loud Exhaust,"
is seen as an effective means of warning riders of enforcement activities, even when
there is no Sheriff's presence. This will also be bolstered by periodic placement of a
black and white Sheriff's decoy vehicle along the affected stretch of roadway.
During the Sheriff's Department deployments, a "zero tolerance" approach to noise and
modified exhaust violations will be taken. While some law enforcement agencies have
an officer equipped with a decibel meter and expertise in the field, most have found
enforcement of 21750(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) to be just as effective
(see Attachment A). This code section does not specify decibel limits, and can be
successfully enforced after the citing law enforcement officer has attended some very
basic training. The section states (in relevant part):
"Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped
with an adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to
prevent any excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system
shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device."
Training
Enforcement of the aforementioned CVC section only requires that the citing officer has
attended a very basic training given by the Air Quality Resource Board. The Sheriff's
Department is seeking a representative to come to the Lomita Station to conduct
training. During the class, there is a demonstration of what a legal exhaust system
sounds like, as compared to an illegally -modified or noncertified aftermarket exhaust
system. The deputies will be able to testify in court as to their expertise in the field. It is
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also recommended the deputies carry audio recorders to capture their interaction with
the rider, their testing, and the motorcycle leaving at the conclusion of the stop. In
addition, personnel will also receive training on California and Federal emissions stamp
requirements for aftermarket exhaust systems.
Public Awareness Campaign
Spreading the word of our "zero tolerance" campaign is another component to deter
loud motorcycles from choosing the Switchbacks as a destination. Messages from the
Sheriff's Department regarding the noise campaign will be distributed via social media
outlets such as Nixle, Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter and the LASD website. These
messages will also be re -posted on the City's social media pages and website. Any
subsequent news media interest will be welcomed.
Community Outreach
When a noise complaint related to this issue is received from a resident by the City or
the Sheriff's Department in any form, the information will be forwarded to our CORE
team deputies, who will personally visit the complainant. It is important that residents
have face-to-face interaction with the deputies to assure them the issue is being taken
seriously, and the deputies can hear firsthand when occurrences of this type are
occurring most frequently. It will also provide the residents with an outlet for providing
additional information in the future.
Public Works Options
In addition to the Sheriff's plan, many Public Works options were also considered, but
the majority were not recommended for the Switchbacks area due to viability or
negative impacts upon residents. The challenge with any change in pavement surface
along Palos Verdes Drive East is that sound travels, and the sounds from vehicles
travelling over rough surfaces or rumble strips will affect the residents who live upslope.
The most promising solution would be transverse pavement markings and striping with
speed feedback signs. Pavement markings can be used for speed management by
creating an illusion of deflection or narrower lanes by changing the environment to make
the driver more aware of their speed. Transverse markings are a series of transverse
lines that gradually get closer together to give the illusion that drivers are going faster
than they really are, causing them to slow down (see Attachment B). This is the least -
intrusive option and also works well with targeted enforcement.
Other options that were considered, but are not recommended include:
• Surface texture or tactile surfaces (rumble strips or Botts' dots) deliberately
increase road noise and vehicle vibration to warn drivers to slow down. They are
very noisy and often times results in complaints, but can be done depending on
resident tolerance.
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• Speed bumps or humps are designed to reduce the speed of traffic to 25 MPH or
lower (the prima facie speed limit for a local/residential road), which may not be
well-received by residents who travel the road daily. Public safety agencies,
particularly the Fire Department, do not like speed bumps or humps as they slow
down response times for emergency vehicles.
Speed tables are similar to speed bumps/humps except they are configured like
a raised crosswalk with a flat top. They create the same vertical deflection as a
speed bump/hump but can be used on arterial roads with speeds of 45 MPH or
less. Very similar to speed bumps/humps, they are most appropriate on
residential roadways. They are best used in conjunction with stop signs and
traffic signals to prevent acceleration after slowing or stopping. Public Works has
recommended that this would not be an appropriate solution for the Switchbacks.
CONCLUSION:
It is recommended that the Council approve the Sheriff's plan as a strategy to reduce
the frequency of disturbances caused by motorcyclists traversing the described section
of Palos Verdes Drive East, through focused enforcement, public education, and
community outreach. In addition, the Council may wish to consider adding transverse
pavement markings to assist in Sheriff's efforts.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to the recommended action above, the City Council may wish to consider the
following alternative actions:
Direct the Sheriff's Department and/or Staff to proceed with none or some
elements of the plan.
El
VEHICLE CODE - VEH
DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES [24000 - 281501
(Division 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 5. Other Equipment [27000 - 281501
( Chapter 5 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
ARTICLE 2. Exhaust Systems [27150 - 27159]
(Article 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
27150.
(a) Every motor vehicle subject to registration shall at all times be equipped with an
adequate muffler in constant operation and properly maintained to prevent any
excessive or unusual noise, and no muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped
with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(b) Except as provided in Division 16.5 (commencing with Section 38000) with
respect to off-highway motor vehicles subject to identification, every passenger
vehicle operated off the highways shall at all times be equipped with an adequate
muffler in constant operation and properly maintained so as to meet the
requirements of Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 27200), and no muffler or
exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass, or similar device.
(c) The provisions of subdivision (b) shall not be applicable to passenger vehicles
being operated off the highways in an organized racing or competitive event
conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body or by permit issued
by the local governmental authority having jurisdiction.
(Amended by Stats. 1977, Ch. 558.)
A-1
Examples of Transverse Pavement Markings
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