YORBA LINDA : City Approves Speed Humps on El Cajon

The city hopes to slow down speeding motorists on El Cajon Avenue by installing four speed humps on the street between Valley View and Prospect avenues.

Many residents who live on the street have been after the city to do something to bring speeds down. The posted speed limit on the residential street is 30 m.p.h., but residents say motorists often reach 50 m.p.h.

“A major problem on the street is that there are no sidewalks,” said Erwin Hettervik, an El Cajon resident. “Kids walk in the street to go to school (because) they have no other place to walk. Any other city wouldn’t tolerate this situation.”

The plan, approved 4 to 1 on Tuesday by the council, will make El Cajon only the second public street in the city to have speed humps. Amberdale Drive between Canyon Drive and Fairmont Boulevard has seven humps that were installed in 1986.

Although there is little argument that El Cajon has a problem or that speed humps are effective in reducing speeds, some residents say the city should try other methods such as increased enforcement and additional stop signs.

“Speed humps aren’t the answer,” said Art Doyle. “Why not stop signs and continuing law enforcement?”

City officials were also concerned about exposing the city to more lawsuits. Speed humps increase the potential for rear-end collisions, since motorists must slow down to navigate them, and they may lose control if they don’t.

“As a result, the potential liability for the city is increased,” said a staff report. “For these reasons, the decision to install speed humps is generally discouraged.”

But City Engineer Roy Stephenson said there have been no problems with the speed humps on Amberdale Drive, and the city has not been involved in any legal action as a result of an accident.

Installation of the humps will cost about $12,500 and is expected to be completed by mid-January.