Transportation -

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 (.pdf 1 page) 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.