Traffic Frequently Asked Questions

How do I request a traffic related sign?

            The first step is to write a letter to the Legal Traffic Authority (LTA) for the City of Shelton. For the City of Shelton, the Legal Traffic Authority is Chief of Police Joel W. Hurliman. In the letter, give a brief description of the problem and type of sign that you are requesting.

            The letter will be forwarded to the Traffic Division, which will make a determination based on guidelines established in the Manual of Uniform traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Please leave a name and daytime and home phone numbers so that that the Traffic Division may contact you.

            If a determination is made that, the need is justified the sign will be installed based upon availability and workload of the Highways and Bridges Department. If the study determines that, no sign is justified for the situation at hand, then no sign will be installed. You will receive notification of the final decision.           

            If there is a request for sign on a state highway, such as Howe Avenue, Shelton Avenue etc., either write or call the Shelton Police Department and we will notify the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation.  

            If you simply want to report that a street sign is damaged or missing, simply call the Police Department at (203)-924-1544, Ext. 337 and leave a message for the location where the sign is missing.

What is the purpose of road signs? 

            Road signs give messages to drivers. If the messages are unclear, unnecessary, or confusing they can cause danger to motorists and others. Signs are justified by a specific need. Speed limit signs are placed after an engineering report issued by the State Traffic Commission (STC). (CGS 14-298, and CGS 14-218a, 14-219).

            The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the guide that the City of Shelton uses in determining if a sign is required or not.

            Traffic signs are broken down into various categories such as Regulatory (stop and yield signs, speed limit signs, no parking, no turn on red). Warning which are generally black lettering on yellow background and call attention to specific hazards or unexpected conditions on or off the roadway. Guide Signs that direct people to specific destinations or point out route numbers. Informational Signs such as landmarks, points of interest.  

Cars are traveling way to fast on my street. Why doesn’t the City install speed bumps to slow down the traffic? 

            The control of speeding in residential neighborhoods, while maintaining acceptably safe street and roadway conditions, is a wide spread problem. Persistent law enforcement efforts are proven the only way that violators “get the message” and slow down. Often the violators are residents of the neighborhood where a complaint is made. Once in awhile they are often the complainant of speeding cars in their own neighborhood, who are stopped during an active enforcement action, in another neighborhood.

            Speed bumps do slow traffic down!  ALL TRAFFIC! Emergency vehicles are the hardest hit by the delay in having to slow down and then resume speed. Would you want that ambulance to have to keep slowing down while they are responding to help you? Would you want the fire truck to have to keep slowing down while they are responding to a fire in your house?

            Because we live in an area of the country where the weather is subject to change at a moments notice, speed bumps would also affect the ability of road crews to clear the roadway after a snow storm or after a sudden severe storm with high winds and rain.

            Courts have held public agencies liable for personal injuries resulting in faulty design. Increased hazard to the unwary (such as forgetting about it while riding your bicycle), challenges to the daredevils, disruption of the movement of both emergency and service vehicles, and undesirable increase in noise have caused speed bumps to be officially rejected as a standard traffic control device on public streets.

Is it necessary to push a button to activate the pedestrian signal, or can I just wait for the light to change?

            Where buttons are available to pedestrians, it is because the traffic signal is timed for cars, not people. Think of it as a doorbell on a house. Unless you push the button to let the homeowner know that your standing on the porch, you can stand there all day and no one will know your there. A pedestrian signal acts the same way. If you don’t let the control box know that your standing on the corner waiting to cross, chances are you will stand there all day and the light will not change.

            You only need to push the button once. Continually pushing the button will not get it to change any faster.

            In addition, according to state law, if there is a pedestrian signal, and you don’t use it, you may be held partially responsible if you are struck by a vehicle, even if you are in the crosswalk. The lights are there for your safety. Please use them.

 Can I count on a safe crossing if I carefully follow the pedestrian signal?

            The signals assign your legal rights in the intersection. However, it is extremely important to be cautious when crossing any busy intersection.

Why won’t the City put up “Children at Play” signs?

            Children at Play signs create a false sense of security for parents and children. Parents think that the signs provide added protection, while motorists often pay little attention to them. Playing in the street is unsafe and illegal!

            It is common sense that if there are houses on a street in a residential neighborhood, then there may be children playing outside those houses. In addition, if you are driving through a School Zone and school is in session, there may be children walking to or from school or playing outside the building.

            At this time, the City of Shelton will no longer install “Children at Play”. Those that are currently up will remain there. However once they start to deteriorate, they will not be replaced.

            Once again, be careful and slow down!

There are no sidewalks in my neighborhood. How do I get to the bus stop or take a walk safely?

            Pedestrians should walk facing traffic. This way both the pedestrian and the motorist should be able to look each other in the eyes. Remember that if the sun is at your back, the oncoming motorists may not see you because of glare. Pedestrian law is covered under section 14-300c, in the Connecticut General Statues (C.G.S.).

Do I ride my bicycle with or against traffic?

            You should be riding your bicycle with traffic not against it. You also should be paying attention to all the laws that govern motor vehicles as well. This includes stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. Ride toward the right shoulder of the roadway and signal  your intention.

n to turn left or right. You should not ride a bicycle on sidewalks or areas where they are prohibited. Structures such as tables, walls and railings in city parks, are not designed for bicycle use.

            In addition, wear bright or reflective color clothing. It may be easier to motorists to see you especially if you need to ride at dusk or in the dark. If you plan on riding at night, you should also have lights on the bicycle both front and rear. At the very least, make sure that there are reflectors on the front and the rear.

            The Police Department of the City of Shelton also advises you to wear a helmet.