Traffic calming is defined as the combination of policies and measures that facilitates the negative effects of motorized vehicle use on specific urban or rural streets. In general, traffic calming measures attempt to slow down the speed of motorized vehicles through changing the physical design and role of streets to serve a broad range of transportation, social, and environmental objectives. Traffic calming measures are a set of engineering techniques that are used to encourage safe driving skills for motorists, cyclists, and for pedestrians utilizing the roadway.

The goals of Traffic Calming are to:

• Increase the quality of urban or rural life
• Improve conditions for people
• Create safe and attractive streets
• Reduce collision frequency and severity
• Help reduce the negative effects of motorized vehicles in the environment

The objectives of Traffic Calming are to:

• Achieve slow speeds for motor vehicles
• Improve the real and perceived safety for non-motorized users of the street
• Incorporate the preferences and requirements of the people using the area (residing, working playing, etc.)
• Provide more greenery (trees, shrubs, etc.)
• Increase access to land for all modes of transportation
• Reduce cut-through motorized vehicle traffic where desired
• Promote pedestrian, cycle, and transit use

Typical Traffic Calming Measures include:

• Vertical changes to the road (e.g. speed bumps and humps, raised intersections, etc.)
• Lateral changes in the road (e.g. chicanes, narrowings, islands, etc.)
• Traffic circles
• Small corner radii
• Gateway features
• Related street-scaping (street furniture, lighting, landscaping, etc.)

Different combinations of Traffic Calming Measures can be used when appropriate, depending on the balances of desired modes of transportation and traffic activities. 

For more information regarding Traffic Calming Measures, please contact the Operations & Emergency Services Department, Municipal Property and Engineering Division, Traffic Engineering Section at 905.420.4630 or by email.