Q. Does Montgomery County Record any of the video?

A. Montgomery County does not record or retain any video from it's traffic management system. The cameras are strictly for monitoring traffic flow and to identify and incidents that may affect traffic flow.

Q. I recently was in an accident, can I get a copy of the tape from a camera to prove I was not at fault?

A. Again ....Montgomery County does not retain a copy of the video from our traffic management cameras.

Q. Who do I contact to report a possible problem with a traffic signal?

A. Please contact Montgomery County Precinct 3 Commissioner's Office at 281.367.3977 or you can email us at commis3@mctx.org you can also submit a work order online.

Q. Where can I get current traffic count data for South Montgomery County?

A. There is count data available at http://www.mctraffic.org/TrafficVolumeData.htm

Q. Why does is take so long to build a traffic signal after the county says that they are building one?

A. When an engineering study shows that a traffic signal is warranted according to the Texas Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Texas Department of Transportation a Professional Engineer must complete the design which can take as long as 3 to 6 months depending on the complexity of the intersection. After the design has been approved the project can then go out for bid, the bidding process takes about 30 days. After the contract is awarded to a contractor it normally takes about 14 to 30 days to get all out the contractors insurance and bond information approved. Now at this point we are 4 1/2 to 8 months into the project and have not even started working on the traffic signal. Once we are to the point of giving the contractor "Notice to Proceed" they have to order all of the materials. Keep in mind that the contractor can not jump on the internet and order their materials on trafficsignalparts.com and get them delivered the next day, every part for a traffic signal is custom built for that intersection and takes about 4 months to arrive. Once all the materials are on hand the contractor can generally have the traffic signal fully functional in 30 days. So that is why it takes 9 months to a year to complete a traffic signal once the decision is made to install it.

Q.Is it true that traffic signals always make traffic flow smoother and safer?

A. No. They only make traffic flow smoother and safer when used in proper situations. Traffic signals cause traffic to stop where it may not have had to stop before. When used at an intersection where not justified, signals can cause frustration in drivers, who then seek alternate routes. These routes usually are not built to handle increased traffic flow. In addition, drivers frustrated by unnecessarily long waits at signals may begin to disobey the law. Traffic control devices are most effective when perceived as reasonable by the motorist, bicyclists, and pedestrians that use them.

Q. When do traffic engineers decide signals are justified?

A. Usually after lesser forms of control, such as stop signs or yield signs have proven to be ineffective. Then traffic engineers follow specific, uniform guidelines to determine whether a traffic signal is necessary.

Q. We want a "children at play" sign installed in our neighborhood

A. At first consideration, it might seem that this sign would provide protection for youngsters playing in a neighborhood. It doesn't.

Studies made in cities where such signs were widely posted in residential areas show no evidence of having reduced pedestrian crashes, vehicle speed or legal liability. In fact, many types of signs which were installed to warn of normal conditions in residential areas failed to achieve the desired safety benefits. Further, if signs encourage parents with children to believe they have an added degree of protection - - which the signs do not and cannot provide - - a greater disservice results.

Obviously, children should not be encouraged to play in the roadway. The "children at play" sign is a direct and open suggestion that it is acceptable to do so.

Federal standards discourage the use of "children at play" signs.

Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities are available for use where clearly justified.

Q. What is the harm of installing an unwarranted traffic control device?

Traffic Control Devices (TCD's) such as traffic signals, stop signs and speed limit signs are installed to regulate traffic flow and improve safety. The installation of these TCD's should be based on the professional judgment of Traffic Engineers after careful study of the location to be controlled. The study should consider such factors as crash frequency and type, vehicle speeds and traffic volumes.

On occasion, an elected official, with a true "politician's" zeal to please everyone, influences the installation of a traffic control device against the advice of the Traffic Engineer. The elected official's motivation is often an angry or persistent citizen rather than the objective professional judgment of the Traffic Engineer.

Many elected officials do not realize that there are National guidelines for the installation of Traffic Control Devices. The Manual On Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) gives Transportation Engineers the uniform standards to safely assist motorists as they travel. It defines a series of uniform Traffic Control Devices (signals, signs and pavement markings) which are clear in their messages as applied on the nation's roadway system.

The March 1990 issue of "Public Roads" magazine, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, contained an article on "Motorist Compliance With Standard Traffic Control Devices." The article examined the following forms of motorist noncompliance:

• Speeding

• Not coming to a full stop at STOP signs

• Failing to yield right of way to pedestrians

• Ignoring active railroad crossing devices

• Making illegal turns

• Using lanes improperly

• Violating traffic signal indicators

• Driving too fast through work zones

• Encroaching on centerlines

• Violating passing zone restrictions

The behavioral studies collected compliance and other data at a large number of typical sites over extended periods of time. In the process, hundreds of thousands of motorists were observed. The clear conclusion was that motorist noncompliance does take place.

On of the recommendations in the US DOT article was: "To ensure that the motoring public maintains a healthy respect for TCD's, traffic professionals must use them prudently. Through concerted efforts of the nature outlined above (Engineering, Enforcement and Education), the safety and efficiency of our streets and highways can be maximized."

Another recommendation was to "Apply TCD's consistently to ensure they command respect."