Stop signs cause speeding problems

Costa Mesa officials have added stop signs at two Eastside Costa Mesa intersections after neighbors complained about traffic in the area, but now residents say it’s led to some new speeding problems in their neighborhoods.

“In that area we definitely wanted drivers to stop before they cross,” said Peter Naghavi, the city’s transportation manager. “We feel it provides more safety for drivers on both streets.”

Gary Ingram, who lives near Flower Street and Raymond Avenue where stop signs were placed, was pleased to see the signs, but he thinks since they only halt drivers on Raymond that motorists on Flower are hitting the gas more.

“The problem now is we were told it was supposed to be a four-way stop,” Ingram said.

Naghavi’s team will continue monitoring traffic at Raymond and Flower and down the street at Raymond and Costa Mesa Street to see if more changes are needed.

“In the next few weeks we may take other steps after seeing what fits best. If the issue is not very drastic we won’t take any drastic measures,” Naghavi said. “It has to be practical, uniform citywide and has to actually respond to the issue.”

Police stepped up patrols after neighbors complained that drivers sped down side streets to avoid major thoroughfares.

It takes weeks to gather enough data to determine speed and traffic patterns for one street, so neighbors should try to be patient, Naghavi said.

Meanwhile, city officials wanted to remind drivers that speeding on side streets is especially dangerous because it can be a popular place for kids to play. A car going 25 mph needs 60 feet to stop. At 35 mph it would take 100 feet to stop, police said.

“There are many families surrounding us with children,” Ingram said. “You’re not going to remove the problem but you can reduce it.”