HomeMy WebLinkAbout1973-07-24-TSC-min-munroe.pdf & 1,2t of Trxoulton, 41limiachnscH5
•
MEMORANDUM
1
TO MI Allan F. Kenney DATE 7/24/73 PAGE
Chairman, 3oard of Selectmen
FROM Mr. John J. McSweeney SUBJECT'
Chairman, Traffic Safety Committee Traffic-Munroe School
The committee discussed your memo regarding the review of the traffic situation at
the Munroe School The letter from the Chairman of the School Committee and the
petition from the parents at the school were introduced into the discussion during
the meeting We agreed to once again study the need for a pedestrian traffic con-
trol at the crossing inasmuch as this seems to be the thrust of the parent-teacher
association request. We also felt we should review any and all other aspects of
traffic safety in the area.
We would remind the members of the Board of Selectmen, that we on the traffic com-
mittee are as concerned for the safety of the children of the area, as are the
parents involved. The only differences we have is in the approach to the problem,
••••.r.
if in fact , there is one. The responsibility for the safety of the children is a
tremendous one and cannot be totafly handled by town officials , traffic lights and
signs. At some point the parents themselves must assume some of this burden.
There is no way, through the installation of signals or the like that we can gua-
rante to the citizen the 100% safety of his children. Too often as the Board knows
the citizens seem to feel the mere erection of a sign will make his or her child
safe. We know this is not the truth, and as such it is our responsibility to re-
commend to the Board the best possible way to accomplish safety through means that we
know from engineering education and enforcement methods.
1 . As the Board knows the Munroe School has a Police Crossing Guard during school
hours.
2. It is the after school hours and vacations that are of concern to the parents.
0
&ivtt ctf TLrxtustonn, (fl'{.!si-..trlinnrtii%
MEMORANDUM
TO Mr. Allan F. Kenney DATE PAGE 2
FROM Mr. John J McSweeney SUBJECT'
As such, a new study of pedestrians crossing Mass. Avenue and the use of the
school playground was undertaken. For two weeks beginning July 3th, the play-
ground was checked every hour during the day between 9.00 A.M. and 4 00 P.M.
n We found that at no time were there ever more than two people in the play
�J area and that was only on two occasions. Otherwise, the playgound was empty.
A pedestrian count at the entrance to the school was also taken for several
days. It failed to come close to the warrants necessary for the installation
of a pedestrian walk light.
3. We recognize that there is the possibility that during the summer months the
use of the playground may be different than during the school year , but we
obviously will not be able to study this need until later this year when school
is in session
4. The speed limit of 35 M.P.H. was established as the results of an extensive
lJ
study several years ago. It is based upon what is known as the 85 percentile
speed. The Drivers License Manual states the following regarding posted speeds:
Never exceed the posted legal speed limit. Maximum speeds are posted on signs
on most of our highways. This is the highest speed you can travel safely under
ideal road and traffic conditions. Road conditions that are not ideal because
of weather, construction, heavy traffic, pedestians, etc. call for reasonable
speed which is less that the speed that is posted.
(�} 5. The area is conspicuously posted as a school zone area and the sight distance
is excellent in each direction.
We therefore conclude that a pedestrian traffic signal is unwarranted at this
C.
&hut of Trxingtou, ,fitnnarIpmetb
MEMORANDUM
TO Mr. Allan F. Kenney DATE PAGE 3
FROM Mr. John J. McSweeney SUBJECT
time , and we respectfully suggest that the application be denied. We will con-
tinue to look at the situation in the fall of this year.
Attached .
1 . Traffic Committee policy statement.
2. Pedestrian walk light warrants-Uniform traffic control.
- 3. Traffic control for school areas-Uniform traffic control.
4. Driver's license manual-speed zones.
5 U.S. manual for pedestrian lights.
- 6. Traffic Safety-Do signs and markings always protect the pedestrian?
Copy Board Members
Town Manager 7-26-73
7/2.--c4 ( /71