This issue was recategorized from Traffic Signal Complaint to Traffic Enforcement - Police (Internal).

Traffic - PB (Engineering) assigned this issue to Police - JW (Communications)

Thank you for reporting. This system is best suited to respond to service requests like potholes, street lights, rodent issues, etc. that can be assigned to staff and addressed in a timely manner. Issues like traffic congestion require further examination and planning and this report has been shared with the appropriate departments as we study future roadway design and other issues that impact congestion.

If you would like to discuss this traffic situation with a staff member in more detail, please contact the Traffic Department at trafficengineering@cambridgema.gov.

So...should I call the cops every time I see traffic backed up here? I mean, I used to do that, but the dispatchers didn't seem to care. One told me something along the lines of, "Hey man, if you can't get through the intersection, what makes you think a police officer can get to the intersection?"

Can *someone* in the city show a little bit of initiative instead of just passing the buck around? Yes, this is an enforcement issue, but only because it's a seriously bad intersection. I realize you're planning on making changes here "soon" (the green painted bike lanes have been very helpful!), but why not restrict left turn movements during rush hour (both at the light, and just down Cambridge St in general) which seem to cause the majority of the backups? There's some pretty simple things that can be trialled quickly and inexpensively, but only if someone actually takes initiative.

We are currently studying the feasibility of restricting left turns at this location, and it will be up for discussion at this month's City Council meeting. As mentioned, full reconstruction of the intersection next year will create a significant improvement for all users.

What you are referring to is an infrastructure concern that requires multiple agencies and invested citizens working together to create efficiencies. Calling CPD when there is a traffic back-up is effective for a parking in bike lanes concern, but not appropriate for traffic congestion. This tool now provides a voice for those with concerns and visibility into the concerns for agencies. Your recommendations are helpful and appreciated. However, your patience is required as the Traffic Department and others sorts through and prioritize responses when it comes to traffic infrastructure.

Fair enough, but this is not a new problem, so there's not a lot of patience left (as evidenced by drivers consistently running the red light!).

I've seen CPD doing red light stings at Prospect St & Hampshire St, and it made a big difference in driver & cyclist behavior. Would it be possible to do a similar operation at Cambridge & Hampshire? Obviously it's not a long term solution since you can't do that every day, but it would definitely help.

Previously acknowledged.