There are several factors that cause a danger to those who have to enter Portola Valley turning left after getting off of 280, and for those coming from Portola Valley who need to turn left to get on 280. To list a few:
1. Drivers speeding East towards the freeway, coming in too fast to notice the stop sign.
2. Drivers ignoring right-of-way and order amongst those waiting to turn left (either into Portola Valley or onto 280)
3. Cyclists who fail to stop at the stop sign, creating confusion and near-collisions for vehicles.
The increased monitoring of this intersection is a good first step. However, there should be more precautions put into place. Firstly, the Eastbound lanes should only be reduced to a single lane. This would increase visibility of the intersection, and also allow drivers who are turning left greater visibility. Secondly, the implementation of a flashing stop sign facing towards the Menlo park direction would be a good step, since the majority of the cars who blow through the intersection come from Alpine Rd. East. And lastly, zero-tolerance enforcement should be implemented at least once a week, targeting both cars and cyclists who run the stop sign.
This is a ticking time bomb. One of these days, a fatal collision could occur as a result of a careless or dangerous driver. It is time to take action and enhance safety before anyone is hurt.