In 2006, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 06-01 adopting a Code of Ethics to establish clear and affirmative ethical principles and standards reflecting the core values of the community, and to support and encourage the highest personal and professional conduct at every level of municipal government.
Code of Ethics (Municipal Code Sections 1-6-101 through 1-6-110)
While traffic signal synchronization improves traffic flows, its benefits are more pronounced under certain conditions. Typically, synchronization is most beneficial when traffic volumes are high, especially during peak hours. Conversely, late at night, when traffic is light, traffic signals are set to run independently and provide green time to approaching traffic on a first come first served basis. This allows the signal to quickly respond to the light traffic demands.
Traffic engineers also evaluate the traffic flow along a roadway using a “time-space” diagram. This two-dimensional diagram shows the position and travel path of a vehicle through time as it moves from one intersection to another. The diagram shows multiple intersections along a corridor and provides detailed operation of each intersection as to when green, yellow and red times will occur.
In deciding if a traffic signal will be an asset instead of a liability, Traffic Engineers evaluate nationally accepted warrants for traffic signals, both part of the State of California Traffic Manual and the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The installation of a traffic signal should be considered if one or more of the warrants in the referenced manuals are met including:
Minimum Vehicular Volumes
Is the volume of vehicles entering an intersection creating confusion or congestion?