Does Novato Have Too Many Stop Signs?

A reader posted a complaint on our Boards about a stop sign in his neighborhood that seems redundant, pointing out that the more stop-and-go cars have to do, the worse it is for the environment.

Stop signs in Novato are handled by the Streets & Drainage/Traffic Division, which falls under the Public Works/Maintenance Department.

This division, which has two staffers,  oversees the signal maintenance contract, fabricates and install regulatory, warning and other signs and handles street striping/messaging, among other duties, such as graffiti removal and emergency storm services.

According to the city's website, there are about 800 street name signs and 600 stop signs. Yearly 600 signs are repaired and replaced annually, 200 due to vandalism.  Each year 300 new signs are installed as required by the City Engineer or in response to new state and federal regulations.

The Traffic Division works closely with Novato Police to make sure its sign program enhances safety.