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1. How do I report a pothole in the street, or a cracked or uneven sidewalk?

To report any problem with a street or sidewalk surface in Temple Terrace, please call the Public Works Department at (813) 506-6570.

2. Can I put up my own sign in the City's right-of-way?

No, only regulatory, advisory, and guide signs for traffic purposes are allowed in the City right-of-way.

3. How are speed limits determined between 25 and 55 mph?

Speed limits are established on a basis of traffic engineering surveys. These surveys include an analysis of roadway conditions, accident records, a sampling of the prevailing speed of traffic, amount of side traffic access, and traffic volumes.

Generally speaking, a safe and reasonable limit is set at or below the speed at which 85% of the drivers drive. Posting an appropriate speed limit simplifies the job of enforcement officers, since most of the traffic is voluntarily moving at the posted speed. Blatant speeders are easily spotted, safe drivers are not penalized, and patrol officers aren't expected to enforce unrealistic and arbitrary speed limits.

4. How can I get a speed limit sign placed on my street to slow traffic?

The most common misconception about speed limits is that putting up a sign will slow the speed of traffic, reduce accidents, and increase safety.

The truth is, most drivers drive at a speed that they consider to be comfortable and safe, regardless of the posted speed limit. The City usually installs signs at the entrance to a subdivision. Studies have shown that there are no significant changes in average vehicle speeds following the posting of new or revised speed limit signs. Furthermore, there is no direct relationship found between posted speed limits and accident frequency.

5. What is the purpose of a stop sign?

The stop sign is used to assign right-of-way at an intersection and to make sure that traffic flows smoothly and predictably.

6. Will a stop sign reduce speeding in my neighborhood?

Because a stop sign is used to assign right-of-way at an intersection, it is not an effective means to control speeding. Research shows that where stop signs are installed as deterrents or speed breakers, there are high incidences of intentional violations resulting in accidents.

7. Will increasing the use of stop signs in my neighborhood better control traffic?

As with any traffic control device, overuse of stop signs will cause many drivers to ignore them, creating a more hazardous situation, especially in low volume areas, such as residential neighborhoods.

Because a stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should be used only where needed. Studies have shown that, sometimes, after installing a stop sign there is an increase in rear-end collisions. Also, the stop sign may cause such an inconvenience that traffic detours through residential streets, parking lots, etc.

A little known fact is that the stop and go traffic resulting from the placement of stop signs will increase carbon dioxide emissions, thereby further impacting the air quality in your area.

8. How can I get a stop sign on my street?

The City's Public Works Department evaluates an intersection, following State and Federal guidelines, to ensure uniformity in traffic control. The survey includes reviewing the following criteria:
• Vehicle and pedestrian volumes
• Traffic speeds
• Visibility (sight distance) at the intersection, i.e., trees, shrubbery, and curves
• Accident history

Experience has shown that improving the intersection visibility by prohibiting parking near the intersection or removing other sight distance obstructions, is often more effective in reducing traffic accidents.

9. What are the uses for multi-way and two-way stop signs?

No. We do not sell signs; please check your local phone directory or online resources for traffic sign manufacturers.

10. I would like to put up Neighborhood Watch signs, how do I do that?

Crime Watch and Neighborhood Watch signs are processed by the Temple Terrace Police Department. For more information, please call the Temple Terrace Crime Prevention Unit at (813) 506-6551.

11. Why are traffic signals needed?

As traffic volumes increase beyond the capability of lesser controls, such as a four-way stop, it may be necessary to install a traffic signal. Traffic signals offer maximum control at intersections. The primary function of any traffic signal is to assign right-of-way to conflicting movements of traffic at an intersection. This is done by permitting conflicting streams of traffic to share the same intersection by means of time separation. By alternately assigning right-of-way to various traffic movements, signals provide for the orderly movement of conflicting flows. They may interrupt extremely heavy flows to permit the crossing of minor movements that could not otherwise move safely through an intersection. When installed under conditions that justify the installation of traffic signals, they are valuable devices for improving the safety and efficiency of both pedestrians and vehicular traffic.

To install a traffic signal at an intersection, minimum criteria must be reviewed and met:

• Volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic
• Need to provide interruption to the major flow for side street vehicles and pedestrians
• Accident history of intersection

12. How are signals timed?

Traffic signals assign the right-of-way to various traffic movements for different time intervals depending on traffic flow levels. Pre-timed signals have preset time intervals for different times of the day, including the morning, noon, and evening peak travel periods.

Traffic actuated signals use detectors located in the pavement on the approaches to traffic signals to monitor and assign the right-of-way on the basis of changing traffic demand. These signals attempt to assign most of the available green time to the heaviest traffic movements. The majority of the signals in Temple Terrace are actuated signals, using detectors.

13. Are there any disadvantages to traffic signals?

While many people realize that traffic signals can reduce the number of right angle collisions at an intersection, few realize that signals can also cause a significant increase in rear-end collisions. In addition to an increase in accident frequency, unjustified traffic signals can also cause excessive delay, disobedience of signals, and diversion of traffic to residential streets. Traffic signals are not a “cure-all” for traffic problems. The primary goal of the use of traffic signals is to attain the safest and most efficient overall traffic flow possible.