To: Mark Hafner, City Manager
From: Michael Wilson, Chief of Police
Subject:
Title
Consider approving an ordinance of the City of Keller Code of Ordinances by amending Chapter 18, Article II, Speed Limits, Section 18-200, various speed limits on public streets; establishing a prima facie speed limit for vehicles on North Tarrant Parkway from the 800 to 1100 blocks, under provisions of section 545.356(b-1) of the Texas Transportation Code; providing a severability clause; a penalty; authorizing publication; and establishing an effective date.
Action Requested:
Consider amending the City of Keller Code of Ordinances to change the speed limit from 40 mph to 35 mph from the 800 block of North Tarrant Parkway to the 1100 block of North Tarrant Parkway.
Background:
Over the last three years the Police Department has been working with the residents and Home Owner Associations in the area in addressing traffic collisions occurring in the 800 to 1100 blocks of North Tarrant Parkway. The consistent contributing factor in those collisions has been vehicle speed. After analyzing crash data over the last three years, it is the recommendation of the City’s Public Works Department and the Police Department that the speed limit be lowered from 40 mph to 35 mph.
Section 545.356 of the Texas Traffic Code allows the governing body of a municipality to declare a lower speed limit of not less than 25 mph on local roads if the governing body determines that the prima facie speed limit on the roadway is unreasonable or unsafe. Based on the results of an engineering and traffic investigation, the Public Works Director has concluded that a lower posted speed is appropriate and recommends 35 mph. The Police Department has no objections to the lowering of the speed limit on North Tarrant Parkway from the 800 to 1100 block. The dense residential environment with multiple side streets and crash data indicating speed as a factor supports the speed change from 40 mph to 35 mph speed limit.
Financial Considerations:
The law requires the posting of the lower 35 mph speed limit, which will result in some cost for signage.
Budget Impact:
The financial impact will be the cost of the signs and poles which is a minimal impact on the City budget.
Citizen Input/Board Review:
A meeting with impacted residents revealed their support for the speed change to 35 mph.
Legal Review:
The proposed ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Alternatives:
The City Council has the following options when considering this resolution:
- Approve as submitted
- Approve with changes
- Denial
Staff Recommendation:
City Council approval of the proposed ordinance as presented.