U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood called for additional public input on compliance dates for a number of federal traffic control regulations, ranging from road sign reflectivity to crosswalk timing.
To make street signs easier for aging Americans, regulations were updated in “Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUCTD).” The manual is a compilation of national standards for all traffic control devices, including road markings, highway signs, and traffic signals. It is updated periodically to accommodate the nation’s changing transportation needs and address new safety technologies, traffic control tools and traffic management techniques.
However, the costs of enacting the new rules have led to widespread criticism among local officials. Some city officials have voiced their concerns on the possibility of this rule being an unfunded mandate from the federal government.
Secretary LaHood who is unable to repeal the rule urged the Federal Highway Administration to announce a 45-day period of public comment on the regulations which could be the first step toward a possible repeal by the Department of Transportation. “I believe that this regulation makes no sense. It does not properly take into account the high costs that local governments would have to bear. States, cities, and towns should not be required to spend money that they don’t have to replace perfectly good traffic signs,” said LaHood in a statement released earlier last week.
“To set things right, the first step is to reopen public comment and give people a chance to weigh in. There have got to be better ways to improve safety without piling costs onto the American people. Safety is our priority, but so is good government. Listening to the public helps to ensure both.”
The public will have 45 days from November 30th to submit comments to the Federal Register. Comments should be directed to www.regulations.gov.
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), has been administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) since 1971.
