What is meant by uniform control devices?
Residents of Billerica, as in many cities and towns across the nation, are becoming increasingly concerned with the excessive speed and amount of through traffic utilizing their local roadways. It is felt that this extraneous traffic presents a direct threat to children’s safety and the quality of life within the community. Oftentimes residents request that some form of traffic management measure, such as a reduced speed limit, an all way stop, or turn prohibition to be implemented to control motorists using local roads.

The following sections address the most commonly asked questions regarding the uniform use and regulation of such traffic control devices. Traffic Control devices are all signs, signals, markings, and devices placed on, or adjacent to, a street or highway by a public body having authority to regulate, warn, or guide traffic.

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) is the reference that governs the design and usage of traffic control devices. The MUTCD is prepared by the Federal Highway Administration’s National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (NCUTCD). The standards in the manual, with certain exception, apply to all streets and highways regardless of the governmental agency having jurisdiction. The State of Massachusetts has adopted additional amendments to the National MUTCD, which serve to further regulate local municipalities.

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1. What is meant by uniform control devices?
2. How are speed limits set?
3. What effect do posted speed limits have on actual speeds?
4. What are the warrants necessary to install a stop sign?
5. What are the warrants for a multiway stop sign?
6. Can we use one way, do not enter, and turning restrictions to control people from cutting through traffic?
7. Can streets be restricted to residents only?
8. Can speed bumps or speed humps be deployed to control speeding vehicles?