Traffic Calming Schemes

Traffic Calming Schemes generally consist of a series of traffic engineering features which are designed to reduce and maintain slow vehicular speeds. The reduction in speed should lower congestion and ensure a safer environment over the treated area. Traffic engineering features range from road humps and chicanes to pedestrian crossings and road closures.

Traffic Calming Schemes are most effective in residential environments and areas where there is likely to be a high number of vulnerable road users, such as town centres, schools and hospitals. Post implementation is an important part of any traffic calming scheme, since it affords the designer an opportunity to consult with residents and key interest groups to identify any shortcomings in the scheme. All traffic calming schemes must comply with the Traffic Management Guidelines, which was developed by the Department of the Environment and Local Government, the Department of Transport and the Dublin Transportation Office.