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Confusing Charles Street signage prompts committee to consider traffic counts and state study request
Summary
The committee discussed confusing directional signage on Charles Street and options including repainting, angled parking or a formal traffic study (possibly by DOH) and agreed to pursue temporary countermeasures and traffic counts for data before formal requests to the state.
Committee members and residents reported drivers frequently turning the wrong way on South Charles Street because the existing signs (a crossed-out turn arrow and a separate green parking arrow) are confusing. Members discussed short-term, city-controlled steps — repainting pavement markings that read "Do Not Enter," painting curb corners, and adjusting parking modes to create stronger visual cues — and longer-term options such as reversing flow or requesting a DOH traffic study.
Staff suggested tubes on South Charles to gather traffic counts and recommended a radar trailer for Norbourne Glebe for enforcement and behavior change. A staff member estimated that commissioning a local traffic study could cost under $5,000; the committee agreed to keep Charles Street on the agenda, gather tube data, and coordinate with DOH if the counts indicate a need for a formal study.
Members emphasized balancing parking needs (residents and new businesses) with safety and noted that any state-signage changes will require coordination with DOH. No vote was taken; staff was directed to explore tube placement feasibility and return with data.
