News Release
PORT HUENEME, CA | The City Council met at their regularly scheduled meeting Monday night (9/18/2023) and addressed a complex topic that has caused increased concern
for residents.
Traffic safety; both on major roadways such as Ventura Road and
Channel Islands Blvd., and in neighborhoods where cars are often reported
driving too fast, and where parking has become a premium. Mayor Bobby
Martinez stated, “The City Council illustrated its commitment to public safety
and the safety of all those who travel through Port Hueneme.” The city took
several actions to alleviate these problems including:
Speed Limit Reduction: The City Council heard concerns regarding the speed
limit on several major streets in the city. They began the process to approve a
reduction in speed limits in key areas throughout the city.
• Patterson Rd SB (Channel Islands to Hemlock): A decrease from the
existing 45 mph speed limit to 40 mph
• Channel Islands WB (Victoria to Ventura): A decrease from the existing 45
mph speed limit to 40 mph
• Port Hueneme Rd. (Market St. to Ventura): A decrease from the existing 30
mph speed limit to 25 mph
• A decrease from the existing 30 mph speed limit to 25 mph is
recommended for the following streets:
o Crossjack Street
o Market Street
o San Pedro Street
o Seaside Drive
o Seaview Street
o Surfside Drive
o Wheelhouse Avenue
• The placement of 25 MPH speed limit signs along Sunkist, Bryce Canyon and Evergreen Lane
Final approval for the speed limit reduction is scheduled for the next city council
meeting.
Police Department Motorcycle Enforcement: The Police Department currently
has no motorcycle traffic enforcement. On the agenda for Monday night’s
meeting was another way to help slow traffic down. The reinstatement of
motorcycle enforcement and the purchase of a BMW police motorcycle.
The department previously had a police motorcycle and motorcycle traffic
officer position from approximately 2006 to 2013. Data analysis revealed a
reduction in fatal vehicle collisions during the years a motorcycle traffic officer
was deployed within the City of Port Hueneme. Having a motor officer provides
an additional enforcement option to allow the City to address traffic concerns
in the community. In a final step to help with traffic safety, the City Council
authorized the purchase of a BMW police motorcycle to reinstate motorcycle
enforcement.
Approving Speed Cushion Policy: In August 2020, the City’s Public Works
Department installed the first rubber speed cushions on Clara Street. The
installation was part of a pilot program where Public Works monitored the
speed cushion effectiveness, congestion, potential negative impacts, and the
local resident’s receptiveness of the cushions.
Since the start of the pilot program, none of the devices have needed to be
removed or relocated. In fact, the response has been overwhelmingly positive
in the community. Several residents have contacted Public Works requesting
speed cushions be installed in their neighborhoods.
The City Council unanimously approved a Citywide Policy for installing these
speed cushions in an effort to improve pedestrian safety within our
neighborhoods.
Traffic Calming Measures: The City Council directed city staff to continue to
work on traffic calming measures and to work with residents to address those
issues. The City Council has shown its commitment to making all
neighborhoods in Port Hueneme a safe place. City Manager James Vega said,
“The City took several steps to improve traffic safety in a common sense ways.
We look forward to partnering with the community to continually improve the
safety for our residents.”
The Port Hueneme City Council is dedicated to serving the residents of Port
Hueneme and as a result of their meeting took significant steps forward to
increase traffic safety and improve the lives of those who live, work, and play in
Port Hueneme.
