Stop signs slated for El Vago Street

The success of newly implemented traffic calming measures on El Vago Street, a thoroughfare off of La Cañada Boulevard known for attracting speeders, was the focus of the most recent meeting of La Cañada’s Public Works and Traffic Commission.

Commissioners and neighbors, who’d petitioned the city last August to lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 mph, convened last week to review whether painting narrower lanes has been effective in slowing down drivers and to see if more could be done.

City Council members and staff informed residents last year the speed limit could not be lowered due to state laws on speed assessments and potential liability issues. They urged alternative measures be sought.

In their July 20 meeting, commissioners learned lane narrowing had been ineffective at reducing speeds along the street. Participants discussed increasing law enforcement attention and possibly adding an all-way stop at Donna Maria Lane, according to Commissioner Daniel Drugan..

Commissioners voted 4-1 to place two additional stop signs there. Drugan cast the lone dissenting vote, claiming the signs seemed unwarranted and would not likely be heeded.