York backs off pedestrian crossing sign plans

City officials say they have backed off a proposal to install pedestrian crossing signs in downtown York because the signs required by the state would be too large and unsightly.

Speeding along Congress Street in the downtown area, where there are a lot of pedestrians, was one of several concerns raised by downtown business owners who approached the York City Council earlier this year.

One of the suggestions made to address the problem was to put up pedestrian crossing signs on Congress Street to improve safety and encourage drivers to slow down.

However, York’s Congress Street is part of the state highway system, unlike the main streets in downtown Rock Hill and some other communities.

For that reason, city officials say they must receive permission from and comply with requirements set by the State Department of Transportation.

City Manager Charles Helms told council members last week that the city had received a permit from the DOT  to put up pedestrian crossing signs, but he says the signs required by the state are too large.