Motion by Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky

January 16, 2001

MOTION BY SUPERVISOR ZEV YAROSLAVSKY

The State of California is experiencing a major energy crisis in which we are threatened with possible rolling blackouts. It is, therefore, prudent that we take major steps within our control to conserve energy wherever possible. One of these areas is our traffic signals. Currently the County of Los Angeles maintains approximately 1,600 signalized intersections in the County unincorporated area and another 270 are shared between cities and the County. New technology has recently become available that provides a substitute for the normal incandescent bulbs used in these traffic signals. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) are now available for use in traffic signals which consume only 10 percent of the electrical power used by normal bulbs. Additionally, these bulbs have a longer life.

Although there are various colored LED indicators, the greatest energy savings is realized from the red since the red bulb is on for the longest period of time. Caltrans has recently adopted standard specifications for the used of red LEDs in traffic signals and is working to develop standards for yellow and green lights. Approximately two years ago, the Department of Public Works installed red LEDs at 60 intersections in the East Los Angeles areas as a pilot project. These red LEDs have been operating virtually problem free.

I, THEREFORE, MOVE that the Board instruct the Director of Public Works to report back to this Board within two weeks with a plan and a schedule to expeditiously install approximately 5,000 red LEDs in all existing traffic signals within the unincorporated County area and determine the suitability of using yellow and green LEDs at these same traffic signals.