Council approves school‑safety speed‑hump review, asks DOT to coordinate with schools and council offices

The Los Angeles City Council approved a motion to move forward with a Department of Transportation report and evaluation of candidate streets for speed humps near schools, while directing further committee review of broader school‑safety partnerships.

Councilman Garcetti opened discussion noting increased concerns about students’ safety at drop‑off and pick‑up times and urging more coordination between school and city agencies. Councilman Pacheco asked whether the program would include partnerships requiring schools to participate (for example by providing crossing guards or parent education), expressing concern that physical traffic calming alone might not change driver behavior.

Pauline Chan of the Department of Transportation described existing DOT relationships with LAUSD on school traffic-safety education and said some volunteer-based programs are being tried in parts of the city. The DOT representative said volunteer crossing assistance programs have been coordinated with school officials and the Los Angeles Police Department in pilot areas.

Council members debated the program scope and funding. Several members, including the chair, cautioned that installation of speed humps requires petitions and budget allocations and is typically implemented incrementally (each district receives a limited number of installations per budget cycle). Councilmember Galanter and others noted the agenda item did not include a citywide budget for a universal program; rather, the motion initiates evaluation, coordination with schools and crossing guards, and targeted installations where conditions warrant.

Councilmembers also suggested including LA Unified School District Police and existing crossing-guard programs in consultations. The council accepted a friendly amendment requesting that DOT consult with the appropriate council office before schools are selected for physical improvements and that the subject be examined by the Education and Neighborhoods Committee. The clerk recorded 14 ayes and the motion passed; the item passed with direction to follow up in committee and to coordinate with school officials as feasible.

Members emphasized that speed humps are most appropriate on local residential streets rather than major arterials, and that a comprehensive approach with education, crossing‑guard placement and targeted enforcement would be necessary to improve pedestrian safety for schoolchildren.