Speed Bumps

Speed bumps are an important part of public road management. Known as "traffic calming," the humps in the roadway are becoming controversial, pitting residents against rescue workers. MAURA E. MONTELLANO spoke to a resident and a fire department official. RALPH R. RAMIREZ Battalion chief, L.A. Fire Dept. We haven't had any problems in the city of Los Angeles with speed bumps.

After years of debating how to slow traffic in a residential neighborhood, the Santa Monica City Council approved a traffic plan Tuesday that includes installation of more than 80 speed bumps and two dozen stop signs. The Sunset Park traffic plan, passed on a 5-0 vote, calls for stop signs, traffic signal synchronization, lane "chokers" to narrow intersections, and long, low speed bumps to slow the traffic in the southeast corner of Santa Monica.

The City Council on Tuesday will consider the installation of a speed bump on Calle Entradero between Ortega Highway and Calle Belmonte. Speed bumps are designed to slow irresponsible drivers on residential streets. Some fire officials express concern that bumps can be a hindrance for emergency response vehicles. The council meets at 7 p.m. in chambers, 32400 Paseo Adelanto. Information: (949) 493-1171.

Three months after closing Dawson Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway to reduce traffic, city officials concede the measure was a failure and plan to reopen the street, possibly with new speed bumps. The city added a row of potted palm trees to make a temporary cul-de-sac in February after a group of residents complained that motorists turning onto Dawson from PCH at high speeds were endangering children.