A REVIEW OF TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUES

Traffic calming is fundamentally concerned with reducing the adverse impact of motor vehicles on built up areas. The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany have led the way in Europe with early schemes implemented in the 1970's, and further techniques developed since then. The most effective traffic calming measures for reducing vehicle speeds involve vertical shifts in the carriageway. Other measures may be used in supporting roles such as road narrowing, chicanes, islands etc. These measures are very dependent upon spacing for their effectiveness. 85 percentile speeds of less than 30kph may be achieved. Studies have shown that traffic calming can reduce accident levels by up to 40%, and have a significant impact on reducing the severity of accidents. Air pollution can also be reduced. Area wide traffic calming schemes seek to calm both main roads and residential roads, however main road traffic calming is still a relatively new concept, and generally does not involve the use of vertical shifts. (A)