Proposal by Woo Seeks Fines for ‘Urban Cowboys’

Fines of up to $500 for causing intersection gridlock in Los Angeles were proposed Tuesday. City traffic engineers were told to compile a list of the corners that are most jammed, where the heaviest fines would apply.

City Councilman Michael Woo, author of the proposal, said he is taking aim at “urban cowboys” who try to beat yellow lights but are caught in the middle of intersections. Drivers who do this, he said, “cause problems for other people” by tying up cross traffic.

Woo said he wants the city Transportation Department to come up with a list of between “30 and 50 key intersections” where the top fines would be levied. Signs warning motorists, “Do Not Block Intersection,” would be posted at the corners.

Under Woo’s proposed ordinance, which must be passed by the City Council and signed by the mayor, fines would be $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second and $500 for each additional offense. The fine for blocking an unposted intersection would be $50.

Woo’s proposal follows passage by the Legislature of a bill giving cities authority to fine drivers who block intersections. Under the measure, now awaiting Gov. George Deukmejian’s signature, cities would get the power to designate intersections where gridlock has been prevalent and set fines for drivers who block them.

The legislation, introduced by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda), was submitted after an anti-gridlock law in San Francisco lost in a court challenge brought by a fined motorist who said the city did not have the power to impose such fines.

Woo said the Transportation Department would enforce the law, rather than the short-handed Los Angeles Police Department, although police could still issue citations for blocking intersections. He said he hopes that fines will pay for the added enforcement costs.

Woo’s proposal implements a portion of an eight-point traffic control plan he outlined in February that includes: speeding up traffic signal computerization, promotion of city employee ride-sharing, expanded use of one-way streets and improved Ventura Freeway traffic control.