SUPPORTS ITEM NO. 1
VTC AGENDA
MAY 16, 1996
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
Date: April 26, 1996
Dept. File No. 588 222
TO: Vancouver Traffic Commission
FROM: General Manager of Engineering Services
SUBJECT: Franklin and Semlin Area - Traffic Measures
RECOMMENDATIONS
A. THAT a temporary partial closure be installed to close
Triumph Street to eastbound traffic, east of Semlin Street.
B. THAT temporary diagonal diverters be installed at the
intersections of Pandora Street and Semlin Street, and
Franklin Street and Semlin Street.
C. THAT funding of $8,000 be allocated from Streets Basic
Capital Unappropriated Account number 13/32/9801/999 for
these temporary traffic measures.
D. THAT staff continue to monitor the traffic impacts that
result from the temporary measures and report back after a
six month trial period.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council has a long standing policy of protecting neighbourhoods from
through traffic and intrusion.
PURPOSE
To report neighbourhood support for the proposed temporary traffic
measures, and to recommend installation of these measures.
BACKGROUND
In 1994, residents became concerned about late-night traffic
circulating the 2000 block of Triumph Street and Pandora Street. Staff
investigated and found a unique circulation pattern, generated by
prostitution activities in the area. A stop-sign infill program was
implemented for the area between Semlin and Garden, from Triumph to
Franklin. A special Police task force was also organized in 1994 and
took steps to restrict the prostitution activities within the
residential area. The late night traffic circulation was reduced,
especially along the 2000 block of Triumph Street.
However, by 1995, another unique cruising pattern developed using
Franklin Street from Clark Drive to Nanaimo Street. Staff worked
closely with neighbourhood representatives to address the traffic
issues. A signage plan was developed with local resident and Police
input in August and installed in September. The temporary signs were
intended to restrict circulating traffic related to prostitution
activities from the residential area east of Victoria Street.
Late-night volumes were reduced after the sign installations. Police
also stepped up their enforcement activities in the area in October,
which resulted in over 200 violation tickets.
DISCUSSION
While traffic volumes collected before and after the installations
indicated some reduction in traffic cruising within the neighbourhood,
there were still concerns about the limited effect of the temporary
signs. Staff met with neighbourhood representatives and developed some
more restrictive measures for full time application.
These measures are effective in restricting all eastbound traffic from
crossing Semlin to the residential area. For example, eastbound
traffic on Franklin Street must turn southbound on Semlin to Hastings.
However, circulating or cruising around the 1900 block of Franklin is
still possible. Residents to the east of Semlin may have to alter
their access pattern from Semlin to Lakewood. "Do Not Enter" signs
will be installed at the west end of the lanes between Triumph and
Pandora, and between Franklin and Hastings, to further restrict
eastbound traffic using these lanes.
An Open House was held on January 29, 1996, to seek input from local
residents regarding these proposed temporary measures. (A copy of the
Open House information sheet is shown in Appendix A). Over sixty
people attended the Open House and the majority were in favour of the
existing temporary signs and the proposed temporary measures.
Staff then sent out a survey to all residents and businesses in March
1996 to determine if the community supported the proposed temporary
measures. (A copy of the survey together with the survey area is shown
in Appendix B.) Approximately 1200 surveys were sent out; 158 surveys
were returned, with over 75% in favour of the temporary measures. The
response rate is only 13%, which is below the typical 20% from other
neighbourhood surveys. The results of the survey are as follows:
Diagonal Diverter at Semlin & Franklin In Favour 118 (75%)
Opposed 32 (20%)
Diagonal Diverter at Semlin & Pandora In Favour 124 (79%)
Opposed 26 (16%)
One-way westbound Triumph at Semlin In Favour 120 (76%)
Opposed 30 (19%)
These results indicate a very strong level of support for all measures.
The most common comment opposing these measures was that the problem
would just be relocated to other areas. A summary of comments is shown
in Appendix C.
It is recommended that these measures be installed on a temporary basis
for six months. It will give residents first hand experience of the
benefits and problems.
After the six month trial period, the local residents will be surveyed
to determine if there is support to make the measures permanent.
FUNDING
The installation costs are estimated at $8,000. Funding is available
in Streets Basis Capital Unappropriated Account #13/32/9801/999.
CONCLUSION
The proposed traffic measures will restrict all eastbound traffic from
crossing Semlin to the residential area. This will substantially alter
access to the neighbourhood for local residents and a trial period is
recommended. The six month trial will provide residents first-hand
experience of the benefits and problems.
* * * * *