Traffic calming

Traffic calming aims to slow motorists who are inadvertently travelling above the speed limit in residential areas by building road humps or other obstructions.

The aim is to:

  • lower traffic speeds
  • reduce accidents
  • lower the volume of traffic.

There is a wide range of traffic calming structures that can be considered which are listed below:

Road humps A bump that rises above the surface of the roadway and spans its width.  It is marked to indicate it is a different level of the road surface.
Modified T-intersections Intersections that have constructed traffic islands at the T-intersection to affect a change in a vehicles travel path.
Roundabouts A well designed roundabout is a safe and effective form of intersection control that can be installed on both four legged and three legged intersections.  It has a central island with landscaping in the middle.

Limitations

While traffic calming has its benefits, it is not the answer to all local traffic problems. Please be aware that traffic calming cannot:

  • remove all through traffic
  • eliminate hoon-like behaviour
  • prevent traffic accidents
  • prevent drivers from speeding
  • solve parking problems.

Potential impacts

Residents should be aware of effects that may happen in areas where traffic calming has been put in place, including:

  • potential loss of street parking
  • increase in noise and fumes next to the traffic calming structures due to slowing down and then gathering speed
  • increased glare at night from car lights and additional street lighting
  • increased maintenance costs to council
  • increase in traffic volume in neighbouring streets
  • slower access for emergency vehicles.

Aggressive Driving (Hooning)

It is widely believed that traffic calming methods, such as speed humps, roundabouts or lower speed limits will reduce hooning. Extensive research and experience across Australia shows that this is not the case.

Law enforcement is the single most meaningful method of controlling anti-social behaviour.

Successful traffic calming works by reducing the average traffic speed. It relies on people driving to the road conditions. Experience suggests that traffic calming provides a challenge for some drivers to commit hooning offences.

Reporting incidences of hooning

Council receives many requests to reduce hooning. However, we do not have the statutory powers to deal with this issue. You should refer incidences of illegal driving (hooning) to the Crime Stoppers Hotline on 1800 333 000 or at the following website crimestoppers.com.au

When reporting a hooning incident, provide police with the following:

  • a description of the vehicle/s
  • vehicle registration
  • time
  • date
  • place
  • description of the drivers.

This information will help police in dealing with offenders.

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