In a county bogged down with traffic lights, there is something quaint about Safety Harbor's primary downtown intersection being controlled by stop signs instead of a traffic signal. Some residents like it that way and find Safety Harbor's determinedly small-town ways endearing.
However, City Commissioner Keith Zayac believes it is time to consider a more high-tech approach to controlling the thousands of cars that pass through the intersection of Main Street and Bayshore Boulevard each day.
Specifically, he wants to take down the signs at the four-way stop and install a traffic signal and pedestrian walk light.
Zayac is probably right that the time has come.
No matter how much people in Safety Harbor may wish it weren't so, Bayshore Boulevard is a primary north-south roadway for many commuters.
The S-curves and the views of Tampa Bay help to reduce the speeds that cars can travel, but do not discourage thousands of drivers from choosing Bayshore over high-speed, multilane McMullen-Booth Road or U.S. 19.
Bayshore and its traffic intersect Main Street right at the front door of the Safety Harbor Spa. In addition to the Bayshore traffic from the south, the intersection must handle both pedestrian and vehicle traffic from the spa on the east side and from Main Street on the west, as well as Philippe Parkway traffic from the north.
Traffic has been building on Bayshore, and Main Street vehicular and pedestrian traffic also has picked up as the downtown has been revitalized. Zayac witnessed the increased traffic - and the growing hazards of a minimally controlled intersection - every day from his office near the intersection.
To get around the long rush-hour backups caused by everyone having to stop and take turns at Main and Bayshore, many impatient motorists cut through neighborhoods that border the road.
Two years ago the city tried to stop that by making turns into residential areas illegal during certain peak hours. Deputies patrolled the area and ticketed violators.
Perhaps residents and city officials thought motorists would avoid Bayshore once those rules were in place. It hasn't happened. There are still long backups, and the constant stop-and-go traffic frustrates motorists and fouls the air with exhaust emissions.
Crossing is hazardous for pedestrians because traffic from four directions takes turns scooting through the intersection and there is no light to guide walkers.
Two years ago, Safety Harbor hired a consultant to study putting a traffic light at the intersection. The consultant discouraged the idea. He acknowledged that a traffic light would better control traffic but said that more motorists then would choose to use Bayshore.
Safety Harbor officials should not allow hazardous and disruptive conditions to continue on city streets in the belief that if they improve the situation, more cars will come.
In many other ways, the city encourages increased traffic. For example, it touts its unique downtown, which is enjoying a resulting uptick in business. The city promotes its beautiful neighborhoods, its parks and its festivals.
The City Commission approved the Harborside project, which soon will begin construction on the southwest corner of Main Street and Bayshore. The mixed-use project will include condominiums and shops and bring more activity to the already busy area.
Zayac seems to have convinced his fellow commissioners that a traffic study should be done soon to determine if a signal is warranted.
That's an appropriate first step. City officials are obligated to do all they can to ensure that pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow smoothly and safely through downtown.
