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# Making the light not so bright
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/making-the-light-not-so-bright/
- Published: 2007-04-25T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T00:37:58.000Z
- Author: Kevin Herrera
- Tags: local, Downtown, #archive-import

*FROM TRAFFIC PAGE 3 Catching SM intersection blockers*

DOWNTOWN Drivers here had better start learning to work together and being considerate, or else the police will hand them an expensive lesson in manners.

The SMPD is out in force looking for those who are inattentive behind the wheel, pulling into an intersection without taking notice whether or not there is room for them on the other side.

Those spotted blocking an intersection will be issued a citation and be forced to pay $35 under the department’s Gridlock Abatement Program, or GAP. While the citation will not appear on one’s driving record, nor is the fine as high as one for a moving violation, officers hope drivers will mind their P’s and Q’s now that Johnny Law is on the lookout.

“If there is no room for drivers to completely proceed through an intersection, they need to stay on the other side and wait. Don’t be intimidated by other drivers because you are only putting yourself in harm’s way,” said Lt. Clinton Muir of SMPD’s Traffic Services Division. “Most people we find that are causing gridlock do it out of inattention. They’re either on their cell phones or are adjusting their radios.

“We’ve had people looking at reading material … It’s a safety issue.”

Since March, officers have logged more than 300 hours, patrolling congested intersections such as Fourth Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, and Cloverfield Boulevard where it meets Interstate 10\. During that time, officers have issued seven citations, Muir said.

Blocking an intersection has become a serious problem, not only in Santa Monica, but in other cities as well because of the increase in traffic on city streets. Online message boards show drivers are constantly complaining about cars sitting in the middle of intersections, preventing them from proceeding in their given direction.

“Every day (I) get crazed at people who pull into the intersection without the path ahead being cleared,” one driver in Las Vegas wrote. “Their traffic light turns red, mine green and I cannot move … this happens ALL (sic) the time!”

The genesis for GAP began when the Transit Mall first opened in downtown, according to Muir.On weekends and in the summer,officers noticed heavy traffic flows and congestion. Signs were posted warning drivers to not block the intersections, but the problem persisted. This forced the SMPD to create GRID, or Gridlock Reduction in Downtown. That program was expanded citywide.

There are three components — public education, enforcement and traffic control. In addition to signage and the citations, traffic control officers are stationed at popular intersections to guide cars through.

Residents along with city staff helped the SMPD identify key intersections where blocking is a problem, such as Main Street and Pico Boulevard, Fourth Street and the 10 Freeway on-ramp, Ninth Street and Alta Avenue, as well as several intersections along Lincoln Boulevard.

“We continue to collaborate with the community and Transportation Management to come up with new methods and new ideas for signage, striping and other plans,” Muir said.“We work together and try to reach as many people as possible. We go to PTA meetings to discuss traffic with parents and the schools to make people aware of the importance of driving safely.”

Officers are looking to expand the program to “as many intersections as possible,” Muir said.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 25, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/042507.pdf?ref=smdp.com)