Report Prepared by: Daryl Jordan P.E., City Engineer, Engineering Division
Title
SUBJECT: Continued Public Hearing - Potential Introduction of Ordinance 2584, Amending Section 10.16.010, "Speed Limits," of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Continued Public Hearing of Ordinance 2584 amending Section 10.16.010, "Speed Limits," of the Merced Municipal Code. Amendment to the Speed Limits section consists of modification to speed limits throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion reintroducing Ordinance 2584, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Section 10.16.010, "Speed Limits" of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
2025-2026 Council Priorities, Pedestrian Safety.
DISCUSSION
The City is required by law to perform an Engineering and Traffic Study (Speed Zone Study) every seven years if we wish to continue to use radar for speed enforcement. According to the California Vehicle Code (CVC), the City will not be able to use radar for enforcement of speed zones if the Speed Zone Study is not performed; our last study was done in 2017. City staff has also performed a 2025 study this year, which is now completed. The existing speed zone study has expired and currently the City speed limits are unenforceable by radar without an updated engineering and traffic speed study.
The City contracted with JLB Traffic Engineering (JLB) to conduct the recent Engineering and Traffic Survey. The purpose of these surveys is to recommend the speed limits appropriate for enforcement and to provide any recommended speed limit changes in accordance with current State of California regulations and guidelines.
The scope and objectiv...
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