Frequently Asked Questions

Cars speed on my street. Can you install stop signs or do something else to slow people down?

Unwarranted stop signs cause motorists to "roll through" intersections instead of stopping. This is a hazard to pedestrians. Furthermore, motorists speed even faster beyond unwarranted stop signs. Therefore, JCCOG does not install stop signs to control speed.


Our street is too dark for pedestrians. Can additional street lighting be installed?

Pedestrians often feel that street lighting should provide them an amply lit sidewalk. However, street lights are installed to illuminate the roadway to allow drivers to see and react to conflicts. Bright illumination of sidewalks can cause light pollution problems in adjacent residences. Typically, street lights are installed at intersections and at mid-block locations where adjacent lights are more than 600 feet apart. If you feel that the distance between street lights is more than that, an additional street light may be feasible.


We have problems with on-street parking in our neighborhood. What can be done about it?

On-street parking changes can be made if safety issues suggest to do so, but it is preferred to let neighborhood residents determine if changes should be made to on-street parking. Generally, a survey is conducted of all residences directly impacted by the proposed parking changes and the majority of the respondents prevail.


We have traffic cutting through our neighborhood. What are our options?

The first evaluation that needs to occur is why traffic is cutting through your neighborhood. If it is an issue of traffic not moving adequately on nearby arterial or collector streets, there may be solutions to that problem. Cut through traffic is indicative of poor roadway design and/or a problem that needs to be corrected. In Iowa City, the City Council-adopted Traffic Calming Program has been effective at reducing, not only speed of traffic, but traffic volumes as well.


Is it possible to have CHILD AT PLAY, DEAF CHILD, or BLIND CHILD signs or lower speed limit signs installed?

Studies have shown that lower speed limit signs, "Child At Play", or "Blind Child" signs are not effective at reducing vehicle speeds in residential areas. Motorists will travel at what they consider to be the comfortable speed, regardless of the posted speed limit. Children should always be cautious around streets, and not assume vehicles will yield for them under any circumstances. On some roadways and in some areas, additional signs may be appropriate. The most effective measure to reduce speeds is enhanced police enforcement.

For further information, contact:

Darian Nagle-Gamm, Traffic Engineering Planner
(319) 356-5254