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To provide uniformity between communities and minimize driver confusion it is important to effectively convey the speed limit to drivers. Conveying speed limit in a consistent and uniform manner that drivers are accustomed to will minimize driver confusion as well as enforcement issues. While seemingly easy to implement the changing limits using a citywide approach opens several question and concerns regarding "appropriate' signing. Some communities are choosing to install Gateway signs at their jurisdictional boundaries. The use of the gateway signing alone is likely to cause confusion if motorists enter the community on a non -jurisdictional road such as a state highway or county road where a gateway sign may not be allowed. Additionally, gateway signs are not something that motorists are accustomed to in Minnesota. As a result, a motorist traveling between jurisdictions, or transitioning between non signed local streets and other roadway motorists may not be aware when a speed limit has changed. Discussion with law enforcement officers has also identified a reluctancy to write citations without a visible regulatory sign. The citywide approach may provide consistent expectations across a city, however, to avoid confusion given that regulatory speeds are also still in effect, it is recommended that regulatory speed limit signs be installed at appropriate locations and intervals. At a minimum that regulatory signs should be placed anywhere a transition of speed occurs including at community boundaries, and when transitioning from major roads onto local streets. S. Conduct a Follow -Up Assessment To know if any changes in speed limits have been effective, a follow-up assessment is required. The best practice begins with documenting existing conditions and then conducting annual assessments each year following the change. Be aware that small changes, especially in vehicle speeds, may be statistically significant but they may not be practically significant. The outcome of the assessment could prove that the changes in speed limits achieved the performance measures and the effort to match driver behavior with the lower speed limit was a success. On the other hand, if the outcome indicates that driver behavior was not changed two possible courses of action are suggested. First, continue the experiment with lower speed limits but add more features to modify the driver's perception of the road environment —for example, median refuge islands and curb extensions — and increase enforcement efforts. Second, revert to the previous statutory limit. 14 Page 146 of 185