How can I request a speed hump to be installed?

It should be noted that speed humps slow down emergency vehicles, increase noise levels at the hump, increases air pollution due to vehicles accelerating and decelerating and may cause traffic to be diverted to other streets, thus moving the problem.

Residents can view the requirements and obtain a petition to have a speed hump installed on their street here. Submitting a petition does not guarantee the speed hump will be approved and installed on the street.

Speed humps can only be installed on residential streets that have a speed limit of 25mph.

The property owner or apartment manager must sign the petition. Only one signature per property will count towards the 2/3 requirements.

Please bring the signed petition to the Public Works Department, Engineering Division at City Hall on the second floor.

How can I request stop signs to be installed?

Stop sign requests are one of the more popular requests we get each year. Usually, the stop sign request is to reduce accidents and speeding. Studies have shown that other measures are often more effective than adding more stop signs. The purpose of stop signs, according to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) is to assign right-of-way at an intersection and not to reduce speed.

Unwarranted stop signs unnecessarily increase congestion, commute time, fuel consumption and noise and air pollution. Unwarranted stop signs also contributes disregarding other stop signs and promotes rolling stops.

To request a review for new stop signs, please email Public Works: pubwks@cityofhawthorne.org

How can I request a traffic signal to be installed?

Each year, the City receives many inquiries regarding the operation and installation of traffic signals throughout the City. The primary function of the traffic signal is to assign right-of-way at an intersection. Through the assignment of time, each movement enters the intersection without conflict. When a signal is properly timed, it can increase intersection capacity and is a valuable device for enhancing the safety and efficiency of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and may reduce certain types of accidents, most notably, right-angle (broadside) collisions.

To determine if a traffic signal is warranted, evaluation is performed utilizing nationally accepted warrants for traffic signal from both the State of California and Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

To request a review for a new traffic signal, please email Public Works: pubwks@cityofhawthorne.org

It should be noted that traffic signals do not reduce accidents and speeding. Depending on the features required for a specific location, the cost to purchase and install a traffic signal can run $500,000 or more.

How can I reduce speed limits?

It is a popular misconception that changing the speed limit with automatically slow or raise the speed of traffic. Several transportation studies have consistently shown that there are no significant changes in average speeds following the posting of new or revised speed limits. Similar research has found no direct relationship between posted speed limits and accident frequency.

Speed limits, which are adopted by the City Council, are established on the basis of traffic engineering surveys.

These surveys include an analysis of roadway conditions, accident records, and a sampling of the prevailing speed of traffic. A safe and reasonable limit is set at or below the speed at which 85% of the drivers drive. Further reduction must be clearly documented and justified by an Engineering and Traffic Survey.

How can I request a crosswalk to be installed?

Crosswalks exist at all intersections whether they are marked or unmarked, unless prohibited by signs. To determine if a marked crosswalk would be beneficial, a crosswalk study is conducted based on pedestrian activity, proximity to a major generator of pedestrian travel (schools, parks, etc.) and vehicular traffic during peak pedestrian crossing times.

To request a review for a new crosswalk, please email Public Works: pubwks@cityofhawthorne.org

How can I request on-street parking markings?

The Public Works Department is currently working on installing on-street parking markings throughout the entire City.

How can I request to have my curb painted red, yellow, white, green or blue?

You may only request a curb to be painted in front of your residence or business. If the request extends into the neighboring residence or business, a letter 

Please fill out an online application through Citizen Self Service or download the application here and email it to pubwks@cityofhawthorne.org or return it to the Public Works Department, Engineering Division at City Hall on the second floor.

For blue curb on-street handicapped parking spaces, review the City’s policy and application here. You may also fill out an online application through Citizen Self Service, email the PDF application to pubwks@cityofhawthorne.org or return it to the Public Works Department, Engineering Division at City Hall, second floor.

How can I request preferential permit parking on my street?

In 2018, the City Council passed a resolution directing staff not to accept any new applications to designate a street as permit parking only.

If my street is permit parking only, how do I obtain a permit?

Please visit the Public Works Department, Engineering Division at City Hall on the second floor. Please bring your current, unexpired driver’s license and vehicle registration. The address on the documents must be updated to your current residence and must be on the street that is permit parking.

How do I report a traffic signal malfunctioning?

Report it through Citizen Self Service, the My Civic 311 app, or contact the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Dispatch Center at 1-800-675-HELP (4357). Please provide the intersection of the traffic signal and travel direction (i.e. northbound, southbound, etc).

How do I report a street sign that is knocked down or missing?

Report it through Citizen Self Service, the My Civic 311 app, or contact the Street Maintenance Division at 310-349-1656.