Traffic calming
Traffic calming is a cost-effective method of reducing accidents, discouraging unnecessary through traffic and reducing vehicle speeds. Traffic calming measures include the installation of road humps and cushions, road narrowing, changes to road marking and signing or altering existing speed limits.
Installing traffic calming
We will install traffic calming in appropriate circumstances where a problem exists on the roads resulting in community concern, such as:
- inappropriate speed
- excessive volume of through traffic
- a measure to assist in accident reduction.
The decision on whether to install traffic calming will be based on various factors including:
- The existing accident record
- The category of road (ie. traffic calming will not be installed on major roads unless in response to accidents)
- More than 250 vehicles travel through the site during a typical peak hour and the majority of these vehicles exceed the stated speed limit by 20 percent or more (eg. faster than 36mph in a 30mph zone)
- Houses front more than half of the affected road
- Substantial public support is received for the introduction of traffic calming measures.
The type of feature installed on a road depends on the type of road and traffic flow. Speed cushions are generally used on main bus routes and emergency routes. Full width humps (sometimes known as 'sleeping policemen') are used on other roads.
Vehicle activated interactive speed limit signs may only be installed as a response to excessive speed or as part of a Safer Routes to School Scheme. Certain criteria must be met and the signs may only be used on a 30mph road.
Further information
For more information about traffic calming or to request traffic calming on a particular road please tel: 08449 80 80 80.
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