TrafficCalmingStopSigns

From Newtonstreets

Unofficial Guide to Traffic Council > Stop Signs

You want to slow traffic to keep, especially at intersections, put up a stop sign, right?

Not so fast [pun intended].

Stop signs work where they make sense to control traffic. On a minor road joining a major road, but not on the major road, and not at all minor roads. At the intersection of major roads. Not on through roads.

When you put a stop sign where it doesn't make sense for traffic, traffic ignores the stop sign. And, that can result in more problems. Pedestrians and other motorists get a false confidence that all traffic will stop.

Stop Sign Policy and Warrants from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

What is Traffic Calming?

Traffic Calming v. Safety/Stop Signs Become Meaningless

Traffic Calming

Here is the text of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices - Massachusetts Amendments on stop signs:

Section 11A-4 Stop Signs

The purpose of the Stop Sign is to prevent cross collisions. It is not intended, nor shall it be used for the control of speed, traffic calming or to forestall pedestrian, rear-end or turning movement accidents.

To insure uniformity in stop sign studies and recommendations, the warrants as provided in the 2003 MUTCD, Section 2B.05 will govern. Stop Signs shall be located as provided in Section 2B.06 of the same.

Multi-way Stop Signs must meet the warrant criteria as outlined in Section 2B.07 of the 2003 MUTCD.