Carlsbad council introduces and advances all-way stop ordinances for three intersections

Carlsbad City Council heard presentations from city traffic staff and community members and moved to introduce ordinances establishing all-way stop control at three intersections.

City traffic engineer John Kim told the council staff analyzed sites using the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and recommended all-way stop control at Tamarack Avenue and Sunny Hill Drive. Peter Cole, a member of the Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission, said he had been the lone commissioner to support a 4-way stop at that intersection and described poor sight distances and pedestrian-safety concerns. Resident Jean Walker urged more enforcement rather than additional signs.

Council members asked about signage and outreach. Kim said the high-visibility continental crosswalk markings would be thermoplastic zebra stripes and that rapid flashing beacons are reserved for uncontrolled crossings. Staff said they would coordinate communications, consider "stop ahead" warnings and that signs can be installed via work order after ordinance adoption.

Councilmember Bhatt Patel moved the staff recommendation on the Tamarack/Sunny Hill item and the ordinance was introduced; the item passed later with four votes because one councilmember recused herself from that matter. Two additional ordinances to establish all-way stop control at Batiquitos Drive/Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue/Camino De Las Coches were introduced together after staff described engineering warrants; both were moved and later adopted unanimously.

Council asked staff to provide follow-up on the effect of the new stop controls and to consider pedestrian treatments and education when the signs are installed.