Lijek is urging the city to consider removing stop signs from intersections where "they aren't absolutely necessary," saying fewer stop signs could actually increase traffic safety and reduce air pollution.
Lijek told the City Council Monday night that he noticed a dramatic increase in the number of stop signs around town. He noted that a full stop isn't required at many intersections in the city. And, he said he's noticed many drivers simply slow down at some stop signs, then roll through because "drivers develop an innate sense of where to stop."
He said numerous studies have demonstrated that motorists intuitively recognize stop signs that are unnecessary, and tend to ignore them. He said that the problem of ignoring stop signs in certain situations tends to become generalized so that drivers stop giving stop signs the proper respect overall.
Lijek, in a separate letter to the Mayor, said "The rule of yield to traffic from the right is preferable to the installation of stop signs in many situations." And, his letter outlined several intersections where, he said, stop signs just aren't needed.
One of those locations is West Third St. and Minnesota Ave., where Minnesota is just a gravel track north of Third and ends abruptly with a 'closed road' sign.
He told the Council that stop signs add to carbon dioxide emissions every time a car stops and needs to start up again and that the city could help reduce emissions by "rationing" stop signs. He said unnecessary stops also create wear and tear on cars, increasing the cost of maintenance.
Several years ago, after a traffic accident in which a motorcyclist was killed at an unmarked intersection, the city did, indeed, make a concerted effort to place stop signs at nearly every intersection.
Lijek's letter said "I realize that it may be difficult to convince people that safety as well as environmental and economic concerns require the removal of unnecessary stop signs." He concluded "This is something that needs to be done and will pay for itself in many ways."