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Parish council delays decision on school-bus signage after safety and jurisdiction questions
Summary
Council debated installing a 'school bus stop ahead' sign on Toriac Road at a curve, but deferred the resolution while requesting DOTD or traffic‑engineer placement guidance and school‑board input amid concerns about sight distance and liability.
Council members engaged in an extended debate on Sept. 10 about a proposed 'school bus stop ahead' sign on the curve of Toriac Road (Resolution No. 207). The request was prompted by constituent concerns about children being picked up near a curve and limited sight distance.
Speakers stressed child safety and the need for signage; administration and legal counsel repeatedly referenced the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and urged a traffic‑engineer or DOTD assessment for proper placement. Several council members warned that approving ad hoc signs could generate many similar requests across the parish; others said the risk of doing nothing presented liability and safety concerns.
Transportation director (referred to on the record as Dr. White) and public‑works staff discussed ride routes and whether buses stop at a local stop sign or on a state highway approach, which affects parish authority to install signage. Members proposed bundling similar sign requests and working with DOTD to vet placement and recommended adding language to condition any installation on DOTD or traffic‑engineer recommendations.
Outcome: Council moved to defer the item to the next meeting to gather additional information, confirm where the bus stops relative to state vs. parish roads and consult DOTD and the school board. The deferral carried.
