Traffic calming helps make neighbourhoods safer for non-drivers. That means slowing down cars, trucks, and motorcycles by altering driver behaviour. Studies have shown that reducing the posted speed limit in an area typically has no significant impact on how fast people drive.
Physical measures are more effective and could include:
• speed bumps
• raised intersections and crosswalks
• curb extensions
• traffic circles or mini roundabouts
• on-street parking
• raised median islands
Is my street eligible for traffic calming?
If your street is owned and maintained by the municipality, it may be considered for traffic calming if it:
• is within a residential area
• is classified as a “local street” or “minor collector street”
• is not a multi-lane road
• has a posted speed limit not greater than 50 km/h
• is greater than 150m in length
• does not provide direct access to an emergency services building
How do I request traffic calming for my street?
You, or your councillor on behalf of a resident or group of residents, may initiate a review of traffic calming for your street by contacting 3-1-1. When calling 3-1-1, you should prepare the details of your request, including the street name and street limits to be assessed.
If you are concerned with speeding on your street, please call to Halifax Regional Police on the non-emergency line at 902.490.5020.
How will my request for traffic calming be evaluated?
The Traffic Calming Administrative Order identifies eligibility criteria and explains the processes involved with requesting traffic calming on a residential street. As a quick overview:
1. Staff will review your request to make sure that it meets the conditions outlined above.
2. If it does, staff will perform a primary assessment of the site, which mostly involves measuring vehicle speed and volume.
3. If the speed and volume data meet the criteria to proceed with further review, the project location will be given a ranking score. The ranking score is based on the speed and volume data, collision history, road geometry and infrastructure, and nearby facilities.
4. Implementation of traffic calming measures will be based on the ranking score and/or integration opportunities with other HRM construction projects.
If at any point during the review staff determine that the proposed traffic calming doesn’t satisfy the criteria, the process could be terminated.