Traffic Signals

Traffic signals are used to control traffic at street intersections. Los Angeles Department of Transportation engineers have found that traffic signals can reduce the number of accidents at an intersection.

Members of Los Angeles communities sometimes request traffic signals be installed in their neighborhoods. Community members direct their requests to City Council offices and neighborhood councils.

The councils then forward these requests to the Department of Transportation. LADOT provides traffic signals as a safety measure and community service.

		Before traffic signals can be placed, LADOT engineers must review traffic signal proposals for safety and feasibility. The Department of Transportation follows uniform policies when reviewing traffic signal proposals. Traffic signals are rarely placed at locations where:
		Traffic volume is less than 500 motorists per day The intersecting streets are both residential Accident patterns have not been established

Some community requests for new traffic signals are prompted by traffic accidents. While fatal accidents are tragic, proposals for traffic signals at intersections with histories of accidents cannot automatically be granted; LADOT staff must consider additional factors before installing traffic signals.

When a favorable review of all factors is completed, the Department of Transportation will install traffic signals.