(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or drive a motor vehicle
within the corporate limits of the city at a speed greater than is
reasonable and prudent under the circumstances then existing. Except
as otherwise provided in this article and in ordinances establishing
prima facie speed limits on certain designated streets, and except
when a special hazard exists which requires lower speeds for compliance
with V.T.C.A., Transportation Code, sections 545.351 and 545.352,
as amended, any speed in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour shall
be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent
and that it is unlawful.
(b) Where the city council has determined upon the basis of an engineering
and traffic investigation that the prima facie maximum speed limit
set forth hereinabove is greater or less than is reasonable or safe
under the conditions found to exist at any intersection or other portion
of a street or highway and has declared a reasonable and safe prima
facie maximum speed limit thereat or thereon, by ordinance duly enacted,
and has directed and authorized the city manager to cause the placing
of signs giving notice thereof, it shall be unlawful for any person
to operate or drive a motor vehicle or other vehicle at a speed greater
than the maximum prima facie limit shown on such sign.
(c) The city manager is authorized and directed to cause the placing
of signs so as to clearly define the limits of the prima facie areas
set out in this article.
(d) Any person violating the prima facie speed limit established by this section shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine as provided for in section
1.01.009 of this code.
(e) The regulation of the speed of a vehicle under this section does
not apply to:
(1) An authorized emergency vehicle responding to a call;
(3) A physician or ambulance responding to an emergency call.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.701; Ordinance
adopting Code)
No person shall drive a vehicle upon a public road, street or
highway in the city at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent
under the conditions and circumstances then existing. Except when
a special hazard exists that requires lower speed for compliance with
the above requirements, the limits set out by ordinance shall be lawful,
but any speed in excess of the limits as set out for the streets and
highways and portions thereof to which they apply shall be prima facie
evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent. The streets
and highways and portions thereof are established by ordinance. Such
ordinances are not included in this section, but they are specifically
saved from repeal and are on file in the city secretary’s office.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.702; Ordinance
adopting Code)
The director of public works is authorized to regulate the timing
of traffic signals so as to permit the movement of traffic in an orderly
and safe manner at speeds slightly at variance from the speeds otherwise
applicable within the district or at intersections and shall erect
appropriate signs giving notice thereof.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.703)
The director of public works shall have the power to install
or cause to be displayed or authorize to be displayed such signs as
may be necessary for the regulation of traffic near public or private
schools, parks or other places where children congregate. Any such
sign shall be considered an official traffic-control sign and shall
be considered to have been placed and erected by competent and lawful
authority.
(1990 Code, sec. 10.704)