ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: June 25, 2001
Author/Local: S. Kirk/7908

RTS NO. 1883

CC File No. 5702

T&T: July 10, 2001

TO:	Standing Committee of Transportation and Traffic
FROM:	General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT:	Colour Change of School Area and School Crosswalk Ahead Traffic Signs

RECOMMENDATION

A. THAT Council approve the phased implementation of the school area signs and school crosswalk ahead signs in fluorescent yellow/green, at a total cost of $105,000 to be installed over 2001 and 2002.

B. THAT Council accept contributions of $40,000 from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) for material costs for the change over.

C. THAT the net City cost of $65,000 for these signs be approved from the 2000-2002 Streets Capital Plan under the Local Area Traffic Plan and Other Improvements category.

D. THAT, commencing in 2003 the annual Sign Maintenance Budget be increased, without offset, by $7,000.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council has indicated an order of priority for transportation that places the highest priority on pedestrians.

On May 27, 1997, Council approved the Vancouver Transportation Plan which emphasizes the need for improved pedestrian facilities.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to seek Council approval to change existing school area signs from white on blue and school crossing signs from black on yellow to black on fluorescent yellow/green reflective sheeting.

BACKGROUND

When the existing white on blue school area signs were first designed, there were very few blue signs on roadways. It was believed that by using the unique colour combination, drivers' attention would be increased to the possible presence of students in the area of the signs and they would adjust their driving behaviour accordingly.

In 2000, the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) approved the use of fluorescent yellow/green for school signs, while the Province of British Columbia has adopted the new colour as of 2001. This new colour has also been incorporated into the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada. The fluorescent yellow/green signs will be mandatory as prescribed by the Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) after December 31^st 2004, along with changes to the speed limit tab.

DISCUSSION

A number of studies have been conducted to determine if motorists adjust their driving behaviour in areas where the fluorescent yellow/green signs have been posted. While the studies have been inconclusive, municipalities which are using the signs believe that given the brightness of the signs, motorists may be more aware/alert in the area that the signs are installed.

The Regulatory speed tab below the school zone sign will also have to be changed from the existing 45 x 30 cm "30 km/h" tab sign to a 45 x 60 cm sign indicating 30 km/h 8 am - 5 pm school days, as prescribed in the recently amended Motor Vehicle Act (MVA). For Vancouver Police to enforce school speed zones, the signs posted must be as shown in the MVA. These speed signs will be mandatory after December 31^st , 2004.

Replacement of these signs is a large project that cannot be completed this year, given other work programs already underway. It is proposed that the work be staged as follows:
- all new installations of school area and school crossing signs be installed immediately in fluorescent yellow/green
- manufacturing of new fluorescent yellow/green signs begin in 2001
- commencing in 2002, all school area and school crossing signs be changed over.

To ensure that the proposed signs retain their effectiveness, TAC and the Province of BC have approved the fluorescent yellow/green colour for school area and school crossing signs only. They are considering proposals for the use of this colour for other traffic signs, but have not approved any other uses at this time.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Within the city of Vancouver there are 108 public schools and approximately 40 private schools. About 1,400 existing signs will need to be changed to fluorescent yellow/green at a cost of approximately $105,000. This represents an increase in cost, because the existing signs have an estimated five years of life left, and because the new signs are more expensive. ICBC has agreed to contribute $40,000 toward the increased material cost. It is recommended that the project be completed over two years. Current Capital funding is available under Local Area Traffic Plans and Other Improvements.

The labour and hardware costs for installing either the fluorescent yellow/green or the white on blue signs are the same. However, the supply cost of the fluorescent yellow/green is approximately twice that of the white on blue signs. Future Operating Budgets beginning in 2003 will be increased by an additional $7,000 annually without offset due to the cost to maintain these signs. This will be subject to review at the annual Operating Budget process.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Council approved the Transportation Plan on May 27^th 1997, which provides that measures to improve pedestrian safety and convenience are required (policy NP8). These measures help to implement this policy.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver