Traffic calming measures

Examples of traffic calming measures

There are many types of traffic calming measures that can be installed to slow down the speed of traffic and improve safety for all road users.

The type of vehicles using the street and the landscape of the area determine which ones are best.

Chicanes are areas that are built-out into the road to create curves. Vehicles have to slow down to move around them.
Cycle lanes reduce traffic speeds by visually narrowing the road and pushing vehicles closer together.
Raised pedestrian crossings extend the sidewalk across the road and bring vehicles up to the pedestrian level.
Rumble strips are a series of closely spaced raised individual bars. They alert drivers visually and audibly to slow down.
Rumble waves are similar to rumble strips except they can be felt but with very little noise.
Traffic islands or pedestrian refuges reduce traffic space and slow traffic. also offer safer access for pedestrians.
Speed cushions are small rectangular humps that resemble a seat cushion in shape. Suitable for bus routes.
Speed humps are raised humps used across the width of the road. They are normally 100mm high and spaced 80-120m apart.

Advantages of traffic calming

• Reduces the number, speed and size of vehicles travelling in the area. 
• Increases safety for all road users.
• Reduces the need for traffic enforcement for certain offences.
• Increases driver awareness that they are on a local street and need to adjust their driving behaviour.
• Reduces the number of speed related incidents.

Disadvantages of traffic calming

• Can make access to properties next to the devices more difficult.  
• Residents may want the devices installed but don’t want them outside their property.
• Reduces on-street parking, especially next to the traffic calming devices.
• Speed humps can't be installed on bus routes (the shape of the speed humps and the length of busses makes the ride uncomfortable for passengers)
• Longer travel time for residents and slower response time for emergency services.
• Problems may shift to nearby streets if the full network isn’t considered.
• Creates more noise, vibration and pollution if the right device isn’t installed.
• May not be fully cycle-friendly.