Local Leaders Hold Summit on Traffic

Two city councilwomen who represent portions of the Valley hailed a summit held Thursday in Hollywood that explored ways to improve traffic problems--from car accidents to congestion.

The morning round-table discussion focused on transportation problems throughout western Los Angeles. The meeting, attended by more than 50 residents and officials from local law enforcement and government agencies, was at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

“Traffic safety in the city is a top, top priority,” said Councilwoman Laura Chick, who represents part of the southwest Valley.

Chick said she hopes Los Angeles Police Department officials will encourage many of its divisions to copy a Valley Traffic Division idea that has reduced the time it takes to write up accident reports.

Valley patrol officers help traffic officers with the paperwork, giving traffic officers more time to patrol, she said.

Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski, who also represents portions of the southwest Valley, said summit participants also discussed placing portable electronic signs along roads to alert drivers to their speed.

“One of the issues on the table today was where and how can we get more money for these,” Miscikowski said.

She also said the city needs to beef up its tactics to alleviate major freeway snarls caused by accidents.

The summit included officials from the city transportation and public works departments.

Resident advisory board members who give input to the LAPD West Bureau organized the event. The ideas will be studied by residents and city officials, participants said.