ITE traffic calming definition

Institute of Transportation Engineers. ITE Journal, Jul 1997 by Lockwood, Ian M

RELATED WORDS AND PHRASES

As described in the example definitions, traffic calming has been equated to practically everything from slowing down motor vehicles to changing tax laws. The ITE definition of traffic calming can have two effects on previous definitions. For those who previously had a narrow definition of traffic calming, the new definition is broader. For those who had a broader definition, the opposite occurs. But, what happens to all the initiatives, techniques and policies that are no longer covered by the ITE definition of traffic calming? To help with these issues, a set of draft definitions for related words and phrases was prepared.

Traffic calming measures are design elements in and/or along the street or intersection that conform to the definition of traffic calming.

Route Modification (or traffic management) is the combination of measures that alters the available routes for traffic or traffic flow. Examples include one-way streets, diverters, closures and turn prohibitions.

Discussion: Route modification and traffic calming are frequently confused. Although both often` share the common goal of improving quality of life by preventing cut-through traffic, route modification is an attempt to change traffic routing or traffic flow on the street network, while traffic calming is an attempt to alter driver behavior. The confusion between the two likely can be traced back to the 1970s when "traffic management plans" were very popular. When traffic calming came along later, many people lumped it in with traffic management as if it were the same thing. "Route modification" is preferred over "traffic management" due to its clarity of meaning.

Traffic control devices are signs, signals and markings designed to regulate, warn, guide and provide information. Examples include stop signs, speed limit signs and traffic signals.

Discussion: Traffic control devices are frequently confused with traffic calming measures. Although a traffic control device and a traffic calming measure could share the common goal of slowing down car drivers, the traffic control device is an attempt in communication, while the traffic calming measure is a part of the design of the street or intersection.

Streetscaping includes planning and placing distinctive lighting, furniture, art, trees, other landscaping, etc. along streets and at intersections.

Discussion: Streetscaping can occur quite successfully without traffic calming, but traffic calming is most successful when it is done in conjunction with streetscaping which is why "related streetscaping" was included in the definition of traffic calming.

Traffic calming plans affect one or more streets and/or intersections and involve traffic calming measures.

Neighborhood traffic calming plans are traffic calming plans for whole neighborhoods.

Area-wide traffic calming plans are traffic calming plans for large areas. Route modification (or traffic management) plans affect one or more streets and/or intersections and involve route modifications.