Traffic Calming
The term "Traffic Calming" is widely used to
describe methods of altering motorist
behavior on a street to suit the character
of the area they move through. These
methods all share the goal of reducing
vehicle speeds, improving safety and
enhancing quality of life. The need
for traffic calming stems from an increase in complaints about traffic on
neighborhood streets. Increased traffic through neighborhoods threatens the
integrity and character of the neighborhood and puts non-motorized users at
risk. Traffic
calming is accomplished in three primary
ways education, enforcement, and engineering.
- Education - Educating the public is the first step. Our
Traffic Studies staff help
residents understand the source of the problem by
providing traffic data for their area and supplying information on how
traffic systems and regulations define various solutions. In addition,
public education efforts can help drivers understand their impact on traffic
management and safety.
- Enforcement - Traffic enforcement is stepped up to see if that
will calm speeders. Citizens can request increased police enforcement
in a given area by submitting a
Traffic
Enforcement Request Form or calling 480-644-3533. An officer
will be assigned to enforce your specific need(s). Sometimes drivers
do not check their speedometers while on residential streets. Other
speed mitigation programs are currently available for Mesa Residents to get
involved in reducing speeds in their neighborhood. These are the Speed
Trailer, Neighborhood Speed Watch, Block Watch Program and the Pace Car
Program. Additional information can be obtained by calling 480-644-2160.
- Engineering - If education and enforcement efforts do not solve
the problem, engineering design changes can be evaluated. Traffic
calming devices are simple street design features that cause motorists to
drive with more care; to drive more slowly; or, perhaps, drive via another
route. All these approaches can be considered when designing a traffic
calming plan. Speed humps are the only traffic calming measure Mesa
currently employs. Additional information can be
obtained by calling 480-644-2160.
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