EDITOR'S NOTE: The following letter, written by Tony Romano, was submitted in response to the Patch article
Traffic circles have proven to be successful for many years.
Circles, as you may know, were required in the horse and buggy days because, of course, horses had no reverse.
Some of the original circles still exist, like route 70 in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and of course, right here in California at the Pacific Coast Highway and Bellflower Blvd. intersection in Long Beach.
Circles allow traffic to flow at a slow, safe but reasonable speed and allow pedestrians to safely cross the street. The reduction in traffic lights reduces costs, like energy and maintenance.
As you know, many commuters use Fountain Valley streets to avoid the 405 freeway, which increases the amount of maintenance required by city streets.
The 10 intersections with the highest accident numbers are the very streets that these commuters use.
With a system of traffic circles, Fountain Valley, like Ladera Ranch, could be a leader in Southern California and an example of why we have a "Nice Place to Live."
Interesting about no reverse. I have driven the traffic circle in N.J. but I was born there. Thanks for the article.