TRAFFIC CALMING. IN: HANDBOOK OF TRANSPORT SYSTEMS AND TRAFFIC CONTROL

Traffic calming is used to reduce accidents and to help improve urban amenity, principally through the reduction of traffic speeds and volumes. This paper focuses on the design and planning of traffic calming measures in neighborhoods and along corridors. In both existing and proposed local networks, traffic calming can focus on three aspects of planning: local traffic as a planning rather than engineering issue; the need to view neighborhoods as systems; and following a strategic decision-making approach when designing or redesigning a locality. Designing for traffic calming involves creating the preferred character of the street, selecting street modification treatments, changing the speed profile of the street, and consideration of special users such as buses, emergency vehicles and bicycles. Traffic calming based on traffic restraint devices is essentially negative in purpose, but quality streets are about creating spaces that are attractive, useable and amenable. Local traffic calming techniques may focus increasingly on integrated street design, but traffic management skills will always be necessary in the planning and design process. It is important also to consider potential negative consequences of physical speed control and communicate these consequences to the community.