Red Light for Speeders

The City of Pleasanton, CA has installed a traffic signal which switches to a red light if a driver is speeding.

I visited this signal to observe how it works:

It is installed at Montevino & Vineyard Streets in Pleasanton. Vineyard is a wide residential boulevard with a center median with trees. There is one lane in each direction, bike lanes, and an additional turn lane in each direction at the intersection. Montevino Drive is a neighborhood street.

This driver will trigger a red light because her speed is 44 mph. (click image to enlarge)

Jeff Knowles, Traffic Engineer for the City of Pleasanton, told me that they have “received nothing but compliments” about this signal. He is considering installing another one at a different intersection. Alameda County is also planning one modeled after the first one in Pleasanton. Knowles cautioned that not all intersections were appropriate for this type of light.

Do you think such a signal would be a good idea in Santa Cruz? Where would you suggest installing one? Email your suggestions to us!

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