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The following information is provided to give the citizens of El Paso a
general understanding of Street Humps as approved by City Council. The Law: Street Humps are authorized under Texas Law and should not be confused with Speed Bumps, which are not authorized under Texas law for placement onto public right of way. Street Humps are restricted to residential areas and are approved on a case-by-case basis. The approval process involves sound engineering criteria and recommendations by the Police Department and Streets Department. The Pilot Program: The El Paso City Council has authorized the Police Department, Streets Department and City Engineering Department to establish a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Street Humps. The Pilot Program will be in place by Feb 1st. In the meantime, the El Paso Police Department is the process of developing a brochure that will outline the program, the application process and standards. Training will be provided to Police Area Representative Officers (P.A.R.), Community Service Officers, and Crime Prevention Officers. In turn these officers will be able to educate the public. The City of El Paso Streets Department will release for bid and award the actual construction contract to install Street Humps. The Application process: An active Neighborhood Watch can submit an application. At least 80% of registered Neighborhood Watch residents are required on the petition/application. The Neighborhood Watch Block Captain's signature is required on the petition/application. The Block Captain will be the focus of the effort to insure a focus and continuity within the Neighborhood Watch regarding issues and communication with the City of El Paso. The Regional Commander will be tasked with verifying the existence of an active Neighborhood Watch and will also be recommending or not recommending the neighborhood for a street hump. Once the preliminary application/petition has been submitted and accepted by the Police Department, it will be forwarded to the Street Department for review to insure the location meets the actual construction standards necessary to physically install a street hump. The City of El Paso Streets will review the information and make a recommendation for placement or non-placement of a street hump. Their recommendation will then be sent to the City of El Paso Engineering Department to insure a specific site location within a neighborhood block based on sound engineering standards. The City of El Paso Engineering Department will have the final determination to authorize the installation of a street hump. Should the request be accepted, it has to go to City Council for action to fund the street hump. The City of El Paso Street Department will maintain a citywide database of street humps and related information. The Street Hump: The street hump is constructed of asphalt, will have proper warning signs prior to and at the location of the hump. Will also have "in-pavement" reflectors and painted markings clearly outlining the Hump. Design: Height: 3 inches Distance as you drive across it: 18 feet (4 ft incline ramp, 10 ft actual elevated portion, 4 ft decline). Testing of the prototypes will be completed by the Police Department, Fire Department and Fire Medical Services to insure the safety of any emergency response. Prototypes: Prototypes are currently located at Tobin Park. One of the prototype street humps slows traffic to approx 15 mph and does not impede emergency response. This street hump is the very last hump as you enter the park from the Hondo Pass street entrance to Tobin Park. Other humps are also located at Tobin Park but were found to be too abrupt, or not effective. The Funding: There is no funding for the street humps for the fiscal year 2003. However discretionary funds of each respective city representative may be used as approved. Why only Neighborhood Watch Programs and not Homeowner associations: Street humps have the greatest impact on one street and typically Neighborhood Watch's are centered on a given street or block. A geographic area covered by a homeowners association, should not be in a position to dictate the needs of one street block. Homeowner associations are encouraged to become Neighborhood Watches, which will result in them having the "best of both worlds." |
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