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Staff explains signal detection quirks and potential fixes; committee hears about speed‑camera pilots
Summary
Staff said the Hacienda/Avocado Crest left‑turn detection uses a camera zone that effectively requires a vehicle to occupy a particular spot (described as a '3rd car' trigger) and that reprogramming the timing or switching detection methods could make it more responsive; staff also noted statewide pilots for speed cameras.
Staff told the committee the current left‑turn detection at Hacienda/Avocado Crest was designed so that the system identifies vehicles in a specific zone and that in practice the left‑turn arrow will not trigger unless a vehicle occupies that zone, which staff described as effectively requiring the 3rd car in the turn pocket to be present.
"The way that signal was done and designed, it's actually the 3rd car in that in that turn pocket... If there's 3 cars, it'll trigger the left turn arrow," the staff member explained, adding that reprogramming the signal timing or re‑writing the detection parameters could allow the arrow to trigger for fewer vehicles without a full traffic‑warrant study. Staff also said East Road detection is being transitioned from camera‑based detection to in‑pavement loops because of intermittent missed triggers.
The committee discussed enforcement options as well. Staff noted pilot programs at the state level for speed cameras in some jurisdictions and said the committee could consider cameras on busier corridors if the state program expands. Members also observed they have seen fewer visible sheriff patrols in The Heights in recent years, which influenced discussion of enforcement options.
