Who can I call about speeders in my neighborhood? Roadshow
Q: I wanted to reach out to you to seek your assistance in reducing speeding on Malone Road and throughout San Jose.
I live on Malone and am constantly worried that my kids are going to get run over by speeding motorists. The speed limit is 30 mph, but cars zip by at a much faster rate. I have reached out to the Department of Transportation, but their assessment was that the current speed limit is appropriate. I have also put in a request to the San Jose police, but this would only be a temporary fix.
I feel helpless. Is there anything that can be done to lower the speed limit to 25 mph or to put a stop sign at Harmil Way and Malone or both?
A concerned dad on Malone
A: Unfortunately, traffic crews are down in numbers, and additional stop signs can lead to drivers ignoring them. But the city may consider using portable flashing speed limit signs, at least temporarily, to get drivers to slow down. They are effective. Keep reading.
Q: I live by 11th and Keyes streets, near downtown San Jose. During the past two months, there have been about four serious accidents at this intersection. Just a few days after Thanksgiving, a motorist took out the light pole and the fence of the house on the corner. People drive down 11th as if it were a speedway, but going 50-plus on this street is an accident waiting to happen.
Can you reach out to San Jose police or the city to resolve this issue?
H. Gin, San Jose
A: I will. I’ll contact them about the intersection you mention, as well as the one at Harmil and Malone the previous reader mentioned.
Q: When a streetlight or stoplight is converted to LED lights, they could also remove the old copper wire and install new aluminum wire. I doubt that any thief would even bother then, as any potential resale value would probably be less than recycling bottles and cans.
Alan Arndt, San Jose
A: There are 64,400 streetlights citywide, and approximately 32,400 have been upgraded to LED technology. All lights may be converted to LEDs in another year, and aluminum wire will be used more often.
Q: You should look into the failed traffic plan by the Christmas in the Park committee. It took 70 minutes to get to my house due to using the Kelley Park lot.
Randy Leppo, San Jose
A: San Jose police will be out to help, and they will let residents cut in line to get home if they live in that area.
Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.mercurynews.com/live-chats. Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@bayareanewsgroup.com or 408-920-5335.