Traffic Calming
A General Guide
Introduction
The term 'traffic calming' covers a range of traditional and new
techniques designed to reduce the adverse effect of traffic in
urban streets. Measures may include elements such as road humps,
speed cushions, narrowings, chicanes, gateways and parking
management.
In order to achieve safety and environmental improvement, the
application of traffic management techniques on an area wide basis
has been developing since the 1960’s. Traffic calming has been
shown to be valuable in modifying the speeds at which drivers
choose to travel, and thus reducing levels and severity of road
accidents.
Main Objectives
The main objectives of traffic calming include:
- Improvement of the environmental quality of streets
- Improvement of highway safety and reduction of accidents
- Improvement in safety and convenience specifically for
vulnerable road users
- Reduction in noise and disturbance.
- Restoration of communities divided by speeding traffic
- Discouragement of the use of unsuitable routes by heavy
vehicles and ‘through’ traffic
- Changes to the attitude of many drivers towards speed and a
tangible demonstration that streets are for people as well as
traffic
Traffic calming in the UK owes much to earlier continental
European practice and experience. It can be a way of resolving
potential conflicts and competition for road space but it has to be
developed in an integrated way, taking account the needs of all
road users.
The Design of Traffic Calming
Specific points to consider in the design of traffic calming
schemes include:
- The necessity to maintain good access and support rapid
response times for emergency vehicles;
- Buses need to be able to negotiate traffic calming features
safely, without undue discomfort to passengers and at a reasonable
operating speed;
- Measures should not deny access or adversely affect servicing
or regular delivery vehicles;
- Provision for pedestrians and cyclists should be of a high
quality to promote the shift from the private car to more
sustainable modes of transport. Adequate widths and carefully
considered routes and priorities coupled with arrangements to make
access for disabled people as easy as possible are required;
- Signing to ensure that Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and other
‘through’ traffic choose suitable routes that reduce the
environmental impact of their journeys.
Consultation
Consultation forms an essential part of the design of a
successful traffic calming scheme. It is necessary for local
residents and traders to feel ‘ownership’ for the scheme and
perceive its presence as an asset not a liability. During the
conception and design phases of schemes many interested parties may
be consulted including, local residents; traders or business
people; schools; the ambulance service; the fire brigade; the
police; bus companies; taxi operators; cycling pedestrian and
disabled organisations; road haulage associations; civic societies;
and the chamber of trade and commerce. Schemes that fail to get
wide-spread support are unlikely to be implemented.
This information has been reproduced by kind permission of
Bristol City Council
