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We have successfully used traffic calming in Kent for many
years. It helps to improve our quality of life by:
- reducing crashes and casualties;
- reducing the speed of traffic; and
- helping to reduce the amount of traffic in residential
areas.
What do you mean by 'traffic calming'?
Traffic calming is a way of reducing traffic speed or the amount of
traffic (or both) on a particular road. Many different methods can
be used, and these include:
- repositioning street car parking;
- using signs that react to speeding drivers;
- using safety cameras;
- enforcing speed limits;
- using features to narrow the road, such as chicanes, to reduce
speed;
- lowering speed limits;
- building road humps; and
- closing roads to traffic (except for access).
Why do we need traffic calming?
Too much traffic, and traffic that is going too fast, especially in
residential areas, can lead to crashes. These crashes usually
affect the most vulnerable road users, in particular children,
elderly people, pedestrians and cyclists. It has been proved that
traffic calming reduces crashes, casualties, speed and traffic
levels.
Where is traffic calming used?
Traffic calming is generally used in residential areas. The quality
of life for residents can be seriously affected by the problems
that speeding traffic can create.
Why is it not used on main roads?
Traffic calming is about reducing speed. Road humps in particular
are not suitable for main roads that are used by large numbers of
vehicles, as it would cause delays. For example, this would cause
particular problems if the roads were used by emergency services,
buses and lorries.
Are there any other places where traffic calming is not
suitable?
Yes. Because all traffic calming has to be lit, there can be
problems with using some traffic-calming methods in rural
areas.
Are there any problems with traffic-calming methods?
Road humps, which are extremely successful at keeping speeds low,
can lead to problems such as fewer parking areas, more noise, more
pollution (when drivers speed up and slow down between one hump and
the next) and possible delays.
However, there is strong support from the public for using road
humps because it reduces crashes and speed.
Is there an overall plan for traffic calming across Kent?
We have developed a policy to make sure that traffic calming across
Kent is high quality and consistent. This policy meets the
Department for Transport's rules and guidelines.
There is a problem with speeding traffic near my home. Who
should I tell about this problem?
Contact us so we can investigate the problem. We'll need to know if
other residents have similar views, and whether the problem happens
all the time or just at specific times. You may also find it useful
to ask your local town or parish council for their view.
What happens when you have identified a problem area?
If it is a problem that can be helped by traffic calming, we
will develop a plan. This includes:
- estimating the cost; and
- bidding for funds.
There is usually a high demand for funding so areas with the
greatest problems come first.
Once the funds are agreed, we put together a design for the
traffic-calming plan and show it to the public. This may be by
inviting people to an exhibition or by sending people a letter that
explains the plan. This gives you the opportunity to comment on the
plan before it happens. Sometimes you can get involved in helping
with the design of the plan.
We will also talk to the emergency services and other groups
that may be affected by the traffic-calming plan.
The final decision on whether the plan goes ahead is made by
Kent County Council. |