Title
Presentation and Possible Action on Road and Traffic Safety
Recommended Action
I move that Council support the recommended next steps actions as presented in Attachment A and direct the County Manager to establish time frames for such actions.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that Council approve the motion as presented.
Body
The Chief of Police, Dino Sgambellone and the Public Works Director, Juan Rael will discuss potential roadway safety measures.
Current strategies used to promote roadway safety effectively combine enforcement, education, and prevention. Enforcement activities include issuing traffic citations and warnings, conducting DUI checkpoints, and organizing traffic safety operations. Educational outreach efforts encompass press releases, website development, annual report data dissemination, and public discussions or presentations. Additionally, preventative engagement involves programmatic initiatives, fostering community partnerships, collaborating with County departments, and utilizing CodeRed alerts to keep the public informed and engaged.
Information will be presented about the City of Albuquerque’s Automated Speed Enforcement program, including program success and the required infrastructure. An Automated Speed Enforcement program would require a local ordinance.
Information will also be presented on a local ordinance for banning the use of handheld phones while driving.
Current wildlife data indicates that 62 vehicles versus wildlife collisions have occurred in 2023 and 48 collisions have occurred through September 2024.
The presenters will also discuss jurisdictional boundaries, including NMDOT and DOE owned road and adjacent property owners such as San Ildefonso Pueblo and Santa Fe County.
An update will be provided on recent coordination efforts with NMDOT and staff will look for direction from Council on which items to focus on.
Recommended actions for consideration include:
- Returning to Council with ordinances for an Automated Speed Enforcement Program and prohibition on using handheld phones while driving.
- Implement feasibility studies for road design improvements related to 502.
- Engage and coordinate with partner municipalities, Tribes, State and Federal agencies and community on Road and Traffic Safety concerns.
- Develop FY26 Budget Hearings proposals related to Road and Traffic Safety identified projects and programs.
Alternatives
Council could choose not to support the recommended actions and provide alternative direction to the County Manager.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Unplanned Item
Fiscal impacts will be considered as part of the recommended actions.
Attachments
A - Road and Traffic Safety Presentation
B - Los Alamos County Speed Camera Project Assessment
C - Appendices
D - Best Practices Manual to Reduce Animal Vehicle Collisions and Provide Habitat Connectivity for Wildlife