FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MPD ADDRESSES PROPER USE OF ‘CHILDREN AT PLAY’ SIGNS

(JANUARY 25, 2024)

The City of Midland and Midland Police Department want motorists to be cautious driving through neighborhoods and want Midlanders to be aware of how to properly use “control devices.”

First, Midland residents should not drive through residential streets at speeds higher than those posted as there might be children at play and other temporary hazards to avoid.

Second, property owners also should know that “Children at Play” signs are not allowed to be located “as to interfere with or confuse the control of traffic on public rights-of-way.” The Midland Police Department recommends those signs be placed at the edge of one’s property and not in the street. 

 “The ‘Children at Play’ sign is not a recognized sign by the federal or Texas ‘Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,’” the Midland Police Department reported, using language from the City of Dallas. “The primary reason that this sign is not approved for use is that research has proven that the sign does not reduce pedestrian accidents or lower vehicle speeds.”

The City of Midland also noted from the literature received from Dallas that “warning signs are most effective when used sparingly and are intended to advise motorists of an unusual or unexpected condition ahead. These types of signs have little value if used extensively.” There are also worries that “children playing signs can give parents a false sense of security.”

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