HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - SC TRANS TICKETING AUTHORITY (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
DATE: March 26, 2002
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by:
SUBJECT: SANTA CLARITA TRANSIT ROAD SUPERVISORS TICKETING
AUTHORITY
DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Engineering Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve authorization for Santa Clarita Transit road supervisors to cite vehicles
parked in bus -loading zones that have been designated by signs or curb markings as no -
parking or no -stopping zones.
BACKGROUND
Vehicles parked in bus -loading zones disrupt bus service in the community and can cause
considerable safety risks to passengers and drivers. When vehicles are parked in bus -loading
zones, buses must either pass the scheduled stop or must stop in a through -traffic lane to board
or alight passengers. Stopping in through -lanes blocks the vehicle traffic and creates a hazard
for passengers who must board or alight the bus in the street. This occurs most often in high
pedestrian traffic areas such as parks, schools, commercial areas, and unpaved pull -ins in
several residential areas. The most chronic problem areas include several stops along Magic
Mountain Parkway, San Fernando Road, Newhall Avenue, Dalbey Drive (along Newhall Park
and Placerita Junior High School), Lyons Avenue at Orchard Village Park, and Seco
Canyon Road at Santa Clarita Park.
Municipal Code 12.64.110, concerning bus -loading zones, is applicable in these areas. Granting
ticketing authority to Santa Clarita Transit road supervisors will rectify the situation in a
timely manner and will allow Santa Clarita Transit to continue to provide safe, convenient
service to our passengers.
The Sheriffs Department supports providing authority to road supervisors to cite vehicles in
addition to actions taken by uniformed officers. This will ensure that problem vehicles are
cited when observed.
The use of citizens to enforce parking regulations has become standard throughout California.
In Santa Clarita, City Code Enforcement Officers routinely issue parking citations. In addition,
the Sheriffs Department currently uses citizen volunteers to enforce parking regulations,
primarily parking in disabled zones, and is planning on expanding the program. According to
Agenda Item:
SANTA CLARITA TRANSIT ROAD SUPERVISORS TICKETING AUTHORITY
March 26, 2002 — Page 2
the Sheriffs Department, the use of civilians to issue citations has been very effective and has
not resulted in altercations between alleged violators and citizens issuing citations.
To qualify for this authority, each road supervisor will be required to participate in a training
course. Similar practices utilized by other transit agencies, such as Santa Monica, have been
deemed beneficial.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact is unknown. However, citations issued for this violation amount to $255 per
ticket. The City of Santa Clarita would generate revenue from these citations after a $5
required payment to the Newhall Municipal Court. In addition, miscellaneous processing fees
range from approximately $5 to $50. These fees would be determined based on the
circumstance and whether the violator appeals the citation. The number of citations issued
and the revenue generated are undeterminable at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
transit\agenda\rdsuprtk2002.doc