Newcomer Gets Acquainted With SigAlerts

Dear Traffic Talk:

Since I moved to the area recently I’ve heard traffic reports talk about something called the SigAlert. I have no clue what that is, but I would like to.

Dana Reynolds

Glendale

Dear Dana:

A SigAlert is an unplanned closure of one or more freeway lanes for a period of time longer than 30 minutes.

SigAlerts are different than traffic advisories because the latter are planned freeway closures, usually for Caltrans construction, said Sgt. Ernie Garcia, of the California Highway Patrol.

The term SigAlert originated in the 1950s, named for Loyd C. Sigmon, a radio engineer who pioneered transmitting the police warnings to the public, Garcia said.

Sigmon worked for KMPC radio, where he developed a receiver-tape recorder to which police dispatchers could automatically send messages advising listeners of serious road emergencies.

Then-Police Chief William H. Parker approved the project, but insisted that it be made available to any interested station.

Today, when a highway patrol officer arrives at the scene of an accident or other disruption, the officer may determine that lane closures are needed. The officer calls the dispatcher--who puts out the warning on a special two-way radio channel and a computer wire system monitored by the news media.

The broadcast of SigAlerts are voluntary, but many stations have incorporated them into their coverage.

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Dear Traffic Talk:

When I drive to work, I travel south on Balboa Boulevard.

The street has no parking between 7 and 9 a.m., allowing the outside lane to be used as a third driving lane.

Between Parthenia Street and Roscoe Boulevard there always are several vehicles parked in that third lane.

Some days there are gardener trucks, cars, utility and construction trucks.

Please explain why vehicles are allowed to park and interfere with traffic without being fined or towed.

The situation also creates a safety hazard for drivers who don’t expect to see those cars there but come upon them without any warning.

Betty Ancewics

Granada Hills

Dear Betty:

Personnel from the West Valley Parking Enforcement Office are routinely instructed to enforce the “no stopping” law at that location during peak hours, but will be reminded to pay extra attention, according to authorities.

A review of enforcement activity in the area revealed that, between Aug. 12 and 20, officers cited 12 vehicles for violation of the municipal code that prohibits parking on third lanes during specified hours, said Michael Inouye, the city’s parking administrator.

Four of those vehicles were impounded, he said.

Department officials are aware that some drivers willfully wait for parking officers to pass and then park illegally, Inouye said.

Parking officers are instructed--and have been reminded--to double-check after going through one block once.

Additional information about parking enforcement in that area is available by calling Darryl Roberson, captain of the Valley Parking Enforcement office, at (818) 756-8005.

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