Signs seem to tell drivers ‘stay’

The problem

Art Meganck thinks superfluous signs are causing drivers to wait unnecessarily when leaving northbound U.S. 69 to go east on 95th Street in Overland Park. Underneath the two signals are signs that read “right turn signal.”

Most drivers turn right on red, he said, but the signs cause others to wait for permission to turn.

Ditch the signs, the Overland Park resident advises, or eliminate confusion by installing a sign banning right turns on red.

The answer

The traffic experts at Overland Park City Hall say federal guidelines called for these signs when signals lacked red turn arrows — to remind drivers stopped at the red light that they’re in a turn lane. Newer signals, with the red arrows, don’t need the signs.

“This particular intersection has the older-style signal heads, which is why we have the signs in place,” said city traffic engineer Brian Shields. “Drivers can make a right turn on red if they so desire … or they can sit and enjoy the scenery until the light turns green.”

Overland Park has no plans to change signal heads. It has higher priorities.

Enjoy the scenery? The Watchdog hears his local paint store is stocking a new color: Johnson County beige.