Traffic calming
Traffic calming is normally used in residential and urban areas, where by reducing the speed and volume of local and through traffic, the environmental quality and local amenity value will be improved.
Who decides where traffic calming is needed?
Roads Service, in consultation with police, emergency services, bus companies and local residents representatives will decide whether a road needs traffic calming and, if so, which measures are most suitable.
One of the keys to a successful scheme is local community involvement. Local concerns identified through well planned consultation will help to ensure that the appropriate measures are provided in the necessary locations.
Potential benefits of traffic calming
The objective of a traffic calming scheme is to improve driver behaviour and control speed to a level in keeping with the surrounding urban street environment.
Traffic calming can:
- reduce the number and severity of casualities resulting from road traffic collisions, especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists
- discourage heavy vehicles and ‘through traffic’ from using unsuitable routes
- reduce speeding
- improve the urban street environment and reduce community severance
- promote a greater feeling of safety
- promote cycling and walking
Road features used
Measures include:
- road humps
- mini roundabouts
- build-outs
- chicanes
- priority junctions
- central islands
- reduced speed limits
How can I ask for traffic calming in my area?
You need to contact one of the Roads Service divisional traffic management or network development sections.
You should explain why traffic calming is needed and Roads Service will carry out an assessment of the area. This will consider the following:
- three year road traffic injury collision history (as provided by the police)
- vehicle speeds (recorded on site)
- volume and type of traffic (recorded on site)
- environmental factors (presence of schools, playgrounds or shops)
Contact details
Northern Division - Traffic Management Sections
| County Hall Castlerock Road Coleraine BT51 3HS Tel: 028 7034 1300 | County Hall 182 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1QG Tel: 028 2565 3333 | 1 Crescent Road Londonderry BT47 2NQ Tel: 028 7132 1600 |
Western Division - Traffic Management Section
| County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF Tel: 028 8225 4111 |
Eastern Division - Network Development Section
| Hydebank 4 Hospital Road Belfast BT8 8JL Tel: 028 9025 3000 |
Southern Division - Traffic Management Section
| Marlborough House Central Way Craigavon BT64 1AO Tel: 028 3834 1144 | Rathkeltair House Market Street Downpatrick BT30 6AJ Tel: 028 4461 2211 |
Who installs traffic calming features?
Roads Service is responsible for traffic calming. For further information see the traffic calming leaflet.
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