ITE traffic calming definition

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

Neighborhood route modification (or traffic management) plans are traffic management plans for whole neighborhoods.

Street modification plans affect one or more streets and intersections and involve traffic calming, route modification/traffic management, streetscaping, traffic control, provisions for non-automobile modes (sidewalks, contra-flow cycle lanes, etc.) and on-street parking.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Naturally, developing a common definition of traffic calming and related terms will have implications. People who have been using other definitions will have some difficulty adjusting in the short term. However, if these issues were not addressed, then defining clear terminology would only get more difficult in the future as traffic calming becomes more popular. In addition, clear terminology will help with legislation, standards and other communication. In general, it is recommended that ITE continue to examine critically and revise as necessary the language of transportation planning and engineering to ensure that communication is effective. Specifically, it is recommended that the ITE definition of traffic calming be universally adopted.

References

1. Pharoah, Tim, and John Russell. Traffic Calming: Policy and Evaluations in Three European Countries. London, England: South Bank Polytechnic, October 1989.

2. Hass-Klau, Carmen. The Theory and Practice of Traffic Calming, Can Britain Learn from the German Experience? Brighton, England: Environmental and Transport Planning, January 1990.

3. County Surveyors Society et al., Traffic Calming in Practice. London, England: Landor Publishing Ltd., November 1994.

4. Ontario Traffic Conference Subcommittee on Traffic Calming. Traffic Calming. Traic Calming the 21st Century. Toronto, Canada: Ontario Traffic Conference, November 1995.

IAN LOCKWOOD

is a specialist in traffic calming who, in 1996, joined the City of West Palm Beach as the City Transportation Planner. For the previous nine years, he

was a transportation consultant, and before that, an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Mr. Lockwood has bachelor's and master's degrees in civil engineering from Carleton University in Canada.