Traffic: Frequently Asked Questions
What can we do about speeding vehicles on my street?
Can I get speed limit sign on my street?
How do I request a crosswalk?
How do I request the installation of a traffic signal?
When are left-turn arrows used at a signalized intersection?
What can be done to improve Traffic Visibility/Sightlines?
How can off-road vehicle access be deterred?
What can we do about speeding vehicles on my street?
Each year the Traffic and Transportation Section receives many complaints of speeding on
residential streets. We recommend that the RCMP Traffic Section be notified (phone# 828-3000)
by the public and provide as much information as possible. This should include the location
and, if possible, the make, model, color and license plate# of any vehicles perceived to be
speeding excessively. Times of day that speeding tends to occur is also helpful.
We also recommend that you request that the RCMP have "Speedwatch" monitor the location. Speed Watch is a volunteer program that uses portable RADAR equipment and an electronic sign to increase public awareness of their speed.
Can I get speed limit sign on my street?
The Traffic and Transportation Section receives numerous requests each year for the
installation of new speed limit signs on city streets. According to the British Columbia
Motor Vehicle Act, unless posted otherwise, "a person must not drive or operate a motor
vehicle on a highway in a municipality at a greater rate of speed than 50km/h". Our current
practice is to install speed limit signs only at locations where speed changes from 50km/h.
To request speed limit sign, please contact Traffic and Transportation Section at 828-3392.
How do I request a crosswalk?
Requests for crosswalks are to be submitted in writing either by hard-copy or by
sending an email to the Traffic and Transportation Section. Staff will evaluate the request
and conduct the necessary studies to determine if a crosswalk is warranted at the location.
If it is determined that the crosswalk is warranted, the location is added to a priority list
for future installation.
In general, crosswalks should be viewed as channelization devices rather than safety devices. Marking a crosswalk does not always increase the safety of pedestrians. Research studies show high accident rates at marked crosswalks than at unmarked crosswalks and suggest that marked crosswalks may give pedestrians a false sense of security. Pedestrians often step off the curb into the crosswalk expecting the approaching drivers to stop.
The crosswalk markings, however, may not always be readily apparent to drivers from a safe stopping distance. As a result, drivers sometimes are unable to or fail to stop, causing an accident. Although drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at crosswalks, two painted lines do not provide protection against an on-coming vehicle.
How do I request the installation of a traffic signal?
Traffic signals assign the right-of-way to various traffic movements within an
intersection. Before installing a traffic signal at an intersection, established
minimum warrants must be satisfied. The City of Kamloops Traffic signal guidelines
require that specific traffic and pedestrian volumes, accident history, and/or unusual
conditions must be satisfied or present at the intersection before a traffic signal
may be installed. To request a traffic signal at an intersection, please submit the
request in writing either by hard-copy or by sending an email to the Traffic and
Transportation Section.
When are left-turn arrows used at a signalized intersection?
Although left-turn arrows benefit turning traffic, they also increase waiting times
for other traffic and pedestrians using the intersection. For this reason, certain
criteria are used to ensure they are installed at locations where they do not adversely
affect other movements.
The criteria used when evaluating the need for a left-turn arrow signal are:
number of left turn vehicles vs. opposing traffic
how well the movement is operating without a left-turn signal
how much the left-turn signal will increase waiting times to other traffic movements
at the intersection
the accident history for the movement
Information needed to investigate a requested timing change includes the intersection location, direction of travel, the weekday and time of travel in which the problem occurs. If you have signal timing requests/concerns, please call at 828-3453.
What can be done to improve Traffic Visibility/Sightlines?
Motorists frequently express their concerns to the City about difficulty in seeing
oncoming traffic while stopped at an intersection. Motorists must come to a complete stop
at the painted stop bar or a point closest to the stop sign. They may then proceed
forward, if it is safe to do so, to a point where they can gain an acceptable site line
to see oncoming traffic.
When vegetation or objects located on private property or the boulevard area are creating a sightline problem, it is the property owner's or adjacent property owner's responsibility to ensure that these objects, trees, bushes or hedges are removed or maintained and properly trimmed back so as to not interfere with any pedestrian movements or traffic visibility.
To request a review of traffic sightlines or visibility, please call the Traffic and Transportation Section at 828-3392.
How can off-road vehicle access be deterred?
The existing terrain within Kamloops does lend itself to this type of activity and
therefore results in a large number of signage requests as well as barricades.
The following guidelines must be considered prior to installation of any signs or barricades:
See Recreational & Off-Highway Use By-law
Contact
Traffic Centre
105 Seymour Street
Kamloops, BC V2C 2C6
ph (250) 828-3392
fax (250) 828-7848
email traffic@kamloops.ca
Note: All correspondence is entered into our system, and will be dealt with in due process. Please allow several working days for a response. Thank you.
Traffic & Transportation Overview Bikeway Maps Bus Schedules/Fares Class Rides Free Program Kamloops Transit ProPASS Road Construction Updates - 2009 Roundabouts Report It Transportation Permit Applications Traffic Centre Overview Carpooling FAQs Road Design Strategy Traffic Count Reports Traffic Tips Truck Route Information Transportation Plans Overview Bicycle Plan Intersection Master Plan North Shore Transit Exchange Pedestrian Plan Traffic Calming Policy Guidelines Transit Plan Transportation Demand Mgmt TravelSmart Other Links Development & Engineering BC Highways Web Cam www.busonline.ca www.carpool.ca Community Planning Maps Safer City
Go to top