TES-007 - Traffic Calming Policy_2012SAINT 101 IN
Subject: Traffic Calming Policy
Policy No.: TES -007
Effective Date: 2012-04-23
Area(s) this policy applies to: Transportation and
Environment
Related Instruments:
Revision History:
Category: Policy
M&C Report No.: 2012-76
Next Review Date: (3 years)
Office Responsible for review of this Policy:
Transportation and Environment
Policy Sponsor:
Document Pages: This document consists of 21
pares.
Common Clerk's Annotation for Official eRecord
Date of Passage of Policy: April 23, 2012
I certify that this Policy was adopted by Common Council as indicated above.
Date Created
2012-04-04
Common Clerk
_May 18, 2017
Common Council Approval Date:
2012-04-23
Date
11
Contact:
Commissioner Transportation and
Environment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. COUNCIL RESOLUTION.................................................................................................................1
2. COUNCIL REPORT.........................................................................................................................2
3. POLICY..........................................................................................................................................6
POLICY — TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
Common Council Meeting—April 23, 2012
RESOLVED that as recommended by the City Manager in the submitted report M&C2012-076: Traffic
Calming Policy that Common Council:
1. Adopt the submitted "City of Saint John Traffic Calming Policy",
2. Refer the following Traffic By -Law amendments to the City Solicitor to be placed in proper form and
translate for Council's consideration:
a. Add a subsection 3 to Section 18 and add Schedule M-3 (30 KM/H Speed Limits) to permit
Council to consider defining 30 KM/H speed limit zones in the future, and
b. Add a subsection 4 to Section 18 and add Schedule M-4 (40 KM/H Speed Limits) to permit
Council to consider defining 40 KM/H speed limit zones in the future, and
c. Amend Section 23 and add Schedule S (School Zones) and S-1 (School Zones having a 40 km/h
rate of speed) to permit Council to consider defining School Zones and 40 km/h speed limits in certain
School Zones in the future.
REPORT TO COMMON COUNCIL
April 4, 2012
M&C2012-76
His Worship Mayor Ivan Court
and Members of Common Council
Your Worship and Members of Council:
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
BACKGROUND
LT t �
The City of Saint John
Many Canadian municipalities have a policy that defines how and where neighbourhood
concerns of high vehicle speed or volume are addressed. The City of Saint John currently has no
such policy. Staff is recommending Council adopt a Traffic Calming Policy (Policy) for the
City, being attached to this report.
Since early 2008, over 80 citizen requests to reduce vehicle speed or volume have been received
by the City. Requests are city wide and range from major thoroughfares to neighbourhood
streets. This high level of interest by citizens makes it clear that Saint John requires a Policy that
is identified within the Municipal Plan as Policy TM -43.
Three comprehensive Traffic Calming Plans (Plan) have been implemented in recent years.
Speed humps and a reduced speed limit on Heather Way were implemented in 2009. Speed
humps, increased signage, more durable crosswalk markings, and a more defined School Zone
were placed on Simpson Drive between 2010 and 2011. Street Narrowing was included in the
reconstruction at the entrance to Rockwood Park. Experience from these projects was valuable
in staff s development of a Policy.
ANALYSIS
Staff reviewed traffic industry best practice documents such as the "Canadian Guide to
Neighbourhood Traffic Calming"; a document completed in partnership between the
Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) and the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
and policies from 11 Canadian municipalities towards developing a made for Saint John solution
grounded by best practices.
The attached Policy is organized chronologically as it would be followed for every Plan
requested for a neigbourhood;
• The Introduction discusses the need for a balance between different uses of City streets.
45
M&C2012-76
Page 2
• The Policy goal, objectives and guiding principle, described on pages 3 and 4, are
grounded in fairness and equity, and for achievement of real results.
• Proactive observance of sound transportation and land development planning are
described on page 5. This step is key to avoiding some concerns of high vehicle speed or
volume instead of reacting to them after they develop.
• Page 5 identifies ways in which a Plan may be requested and describes the four ways
such a plan can be triggered.
• Measured evidence of vehicle speed or volume problems should support concerns
expressed by a neighbourhood. Streets are designed to have appropriate speed limits and
daily traffic volumes and mitigating measures should only be used where there is
evidence that these limits are exceeded.
• Page 6 describes three criteria, where one must be satisfied for a Plan to be continued.
Most policies of other municipalities include similar criteria. The third criterion
considers lower thresholds for those "Local" classified Saint John streets with no
sidewalks.
• Prioritizing each Plan based on a clear and objective weighting system (page 7) is crucial
considering an average of 20 requests per year currently exceeds the capacity of the
City's Pedestrian & Traffic Management Service to implement them (approximately 3
per year).
• Pages 7 and 8 describe the timing of development and completion of a Plan that can be
influenced by factors such as the Plans' priority ratings, funding options, timing of
planned Capital projects or alignment with Neighbourhood Plans.
• Physical changes to streets are proven to be the most effective means of slowing down
vehicle traffic. Speed Humps, Raised Crosswalks, Street Narrowing, Traffic Circles,
Roundabouts, and Directional Closures are examples of physical traffic calming
measures described on Pages 8 through 12 in the proposed Policy. Other complimentary
non-physical measures such as land use planning, transportation network planning,
painted white or yellow lines, a change in the posted speed limit, speed display signs,
school zone signs, brighter crosswalk signs, pedestrian signals or full traffic signals may
be included in such Plans. The role of Police in enforcing speed limits is also recognized,
but like every service, resource levels will dictate when presence is possible.
• The appropriate uses of Multi -Way Stop signs are clarified on page 12. The Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada, a TAC manual, provides a number of
criteria based on vehicle volumes, pedestrian volumes, accident history and delay to
vehicle traffic to indicate where these control devices should be placed. The Manual
clearly states that Stop signs are intended for control of Right -of -Way and not to control
speed. There are numerous studies of their ineffectiveness at controlling speed. The
attached Policy indicates that Multi -Way Stop intersections will not be considered as a
solution to a vehicle traffic speed problem but can be considered beneficial to solve other
operational problems. The City currently has an inventory of 37 Multi -Way Stop
intersections.
• Input from the Emergency and Transit Services is to be gathered and a neighbourhood
meeting is to be held with each Plan as described on page 12 and 13.
EN
M&C2012-76
Page 3
• In some situations where the Plan is outside scope of the City's Pedestrian & Traffic
Management Service operating budget or where coordination with a Neighbourhood Plan
is required, Common Council would need to consider approving specific funding for
individual Plans. The Policy is independent of specific funding levels so that it can
remain applicable when the community's investment in a Plan changes.
• Performance measurement targets for continued improvement and a mechanism to amend
the Policy are described on pages 13 and 14.
Currently, the City cannot post and Police cannot enforce speed limits below 50 KM/H. In some
instances, a speed limit of 40 KM/H is more appropriate on a neighbourhood street or 30 KM/H
is more appropriate on some shorter and narrow dead-end streets based on staff judgment using a
TAC guideline. Staff recommends amendments to the City's Traffic By -Law by adding
subsections 3 and 4 to section 18 and adding Schedule M-3 (30 KM/H Speed Limits) and
Schedule M-4 (40 KM/H Speed Limits). Council would then be requested to consider staff
recommendations for streets to have this reduced posted speed limit on a case-by-case basis
through subsequent Traffic By -Law amendments.
In 2007 the Province of New Brunswick amended its Motor Vehicle Act to allow issued fines for
speeding in a clearly marked School Zone between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to be
doubled. This change seeks to discourage speeding in School Zones where there are young
children. City staff has been defining and posting appropriate signs to mark School Zones using
TAC guidelines. These zones must be listed in the City's Traffic By -Law to assist issuance of
these higher fines by Police. Staff recommends amending Section 23 and adding Schedule S
(School Zones) and S-1 (School Zones having a 40 km/h rate of speed) to permit a reduced speed
limit for the School Zone. Council would be requested to consider staff recommendations for
streets to be considered as School Zones and which of those would have this reduced posted
speed limit on a case-by-case basis through subsequent Traffic By -Law amendments.
Input from Others
Staff sought input regarding this Policy from a total of 29 neighbourhood and community
groups. Meetings were held on November 29, 2011 (attended by 5 groups), November 30, 2011
(Crescent Valley) and January 19, 2012 (attended by 7 groups). Several suggestions made
during these meetings were considered and incorporated into the final draft of the Policy.
As this Policy impacts internal stakeholders including the Fire Department, Saint John Police
Force, City Solicitor's Office, Department of Planning & Development, Leisure Services
Department and external stakeholders including Ambulance New Brunswick and Saint John
Transit, consultations were completed and all were generally supportive of the proposed Policy.
Input was considered and incorporated into the final draft of the Policy.
47
M&C2012-76
Page 4
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
The cost to implement individual Traffic Calming Plans will vary depending upon the measures
being considered in each Plan. For perspective, TAC's "Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood
Traffic Calming" reports that (in 1998 dollars) a raised crosswalk costs $2,000-$10,000, a speed
hump costs $1,000 to $5,000, and a traffic circle costs $5,000 to $30,000. Each sign costs $150-
$200 to install with speed display signs costing much more. Maintenance and replacement costs
of all these assets would be additional.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends that Common Council:
1. Adopt the attached "City of Saint John Traffic Calming Policy" as policy,
2. Refer the following Traffic By -Law amendments to the City Solicitor to be placed in
proper form and translate for Council's consideration:
a. Add a subsection 3 to Section 18 and add Schedule M-3 (30 KM/H Speed Limits)
to permit Council to consider defining 30 KM/H speed limit zones in the future,
b. Add a subsection 4 to Section 18 and add Schedule M-4 (40 KM/H Speed Limits)
to permit Council to consider defining 40 KM/H speed limit zones in the future,
and
c. Amend Section 23 and add Schedule S (School Zones) and S-1 (School Zones
having a 40 km/h rate of speed) to permit Council to consider defining School
Zones and 40 km/h speed limits in certain School Zones in the future, and
Respectfully submitted,
Timothy D. O'Reilly, P.Eng., M.Sc.E.
Traffic Engineer
Manager, Pedestrian & Traffic Services
Wm. Edwards, P. Eng. J. Patrick Woods, CGA
Commissioner, City Manager
Transportation and Environment Services
EN
mNT J H
I
CITY OF SAINT JOHN
Pedestrians, Cyclists and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces
CITY OF SAINTJOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY April 2012
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................................3
POLICYGOAL.................................................................................................................................................3
POLICYOBJECTIVES.......................................................................................................................................3
GUIDINGPRINCIPLE.......................................................................................................................................4
TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS.................................................................................4
FULFILL COMMUNITY'S EXPECTATION OF A BALANCED USE OF CITY STREETS
............................................5
FOLLOW TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY..............................................................................................................5
IMPLEMENT PROACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING..............................................................................5
TRIGGER OPPORTUNITY FOR POTENTIAL TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN.............................................................5
MEASURE TRAFFIC SPEED AND/OR VOLUME...............................................................................................5
PRIORITIZE TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN.............................................................................................................6
IDENTIFY TIMING OF PLAN DEVELOPMENT..................................................................................................7
DEVELOP TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES......................................................................................................8
SEEK INPUT FROM EMERGENCY AND TRANSIT SERVICES...........................................................................12
CONDUCT NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETING.....................................................................................................12
REFINE PLAN WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD INPUT............................................................................................13
COMMON COUNCIL CONSIDERS APPROVAL OF PLAN WHERE REQUIRED.................................................13
IMPLEMENTPLAN.......................................................................................................................................13
MEASURE PERFORMANCE OF PLAN............................................................................................................13
UPDATE TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY.............................................................................................................14
Page 2 of 14
50
CITY OFSAINTIOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY April 2012
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
INTRODUCTION
Neighbourhood streets attempt to serve two roles. Firstly, these are used to move vehicle traffic to and
from homes. Some streets are designated as Arterial or Collector streets and are meant to move larger
volumes of vehicle traffic, sometimes at the expense of separating a neighbourhood. Other streets
designated as Local carry fewer vehicles. Secondly, many streets are integral parts of a neighbourhood,
used by children and families for cycling, walking and other community activities. Although these two
street functions can sometimes conflict, ultimately both must be satisfied. To this end, special steps may
sometimes need to be taken to regain an appropriate balance through an overall City of Saint John
Traffic Calming Policy and a specific Traffic Calming Plan for a neighbourhood.
Traffic Calming, as defined by the Institute of Transportation Engineers, is "the combination of mainly
physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior and
improve conditions for non -motorized street users."
POLICY GOAL
The goal of this Traffic Calming Policy is to reduce vehicular traffic speed on City streets to within the
posted speed limit and/or reduce vehicle traffic volume on a Local street to 1000 vehicles per day or less
to improve community and road users' safety.
POLICY OBJECTIVES
The goal of this Traffic Calming Policy is supported with the following objectives:
1. Consider a Traffic Calming Plan when there is measured evidence of excessive vehicle speed,
traffic volumes higher than levels typically acceptable for a neighbourhood street, or in
combination with potential conflict between pedestrians and motorists.
2. Prioritize implementation of Traffic Calming Plans via criteria identified herein by recognizing
that demand for such plans could exceed available resources,
3. Coordinate implementation of Traffic Calming Plans in conjunction with the Neighbourhood
Planning process established in PlanSJ or pre -planned Capital projects where possible,
4. Ensure input on a Traffic Calming Plan is received from the neighbourhood as a whole,
S. Obtain input on a Traffic Calming Plan from Saint John Transit and the three Emergency
Services,
6. Use sound engineering judgment and industry best practices, such as the Transportation
Association of Canada's "Canadian Guide to Neighbourhood Traffic Calming" (TAC's Guide) in
developing Traffic Calming Measures (described later in document) to be included as part of an
overall Plan,
Page 3 of 14
51
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
7. Install Multi -Way Stop intersections where there are collision problems or traffic flow
improvement opportunities and where the installation of the multi -way stop is warranted
based on sound engineering criteria and judgment but not as a solution to a traffic speed
problem, and
8. Evaluate the performance of implemented Traffic Calming measures to continuously improve
the Policy and future Plans.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE
All neighbourhoods that request Traffic Calming Plans shall be treated fairly, equitably and transparently
through a consistently applied Traffic Calming Policy.
TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
Each Traffic Calming Plan will follow the same process:
Follow Traffic Proactive
Calming Policy Transportation
EMPrioritize
Plan
-- ---
Requested Plan
^-
Neighbourhood Nei hbourhood
Performance of
The remainder of this Policy document describes each step in this process.
Page 4 of 14
52
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
FULFILL COMMUNITY'S EXPECTATION OF A BALANCED USE OF CITY STREETS
Through this Policy and the investigation and development of each Traffic Calming Plan, the
community's expectation and understanding of a balanced use of City streets is respected.
FOLLOW TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
As such, when there is a concern of higher than desirable vehicle traffic speed or volume on a street, or
a concern about potential conflict between pedestrians and motorists, this Traffic Calming Policy
provides a consistent and equitable avenue to investigate such a concern and mitigate it if required.
IMPLEMENT PROACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING
The most effective means of Traffic Calming is a proactive approach when a residential or other
development is in its initial planning stages. Potential vehicle traffic speed or volume issues can be
prevented before subdivisions and neighbourhoods are constructed through effective planning and
design. A Municipal Plan that identifies the strong inter -relationship between land development and the
transportation network is key in this regard. To that end:
It is vital and considered policy that potential vehicle traffic speed or volume issues are considered
and mitigated during the planning stage of a residential or other development.
TRIGGER OPPORTUNITY FOR POTENTIAL TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN
At times, proactive land development planning cannot go far enough, resulting in a potential need for a
Traffic Calming Plan. An opportunity for such a Plan can be triggered in one of four ways, with each
opportunity documented in the City's Work Request system:
1. Request from citizen(s) of a neighbourhood,
2. Inclusion within an overall Neighbourhood Plan resulting from the City's Municipal Plan (PlanSJ),
3. Inclusion within a planned Capital project, or
4. Request from the Saint John Police Force.
MEASURE TRAFFIC SPEED AND/OR VOLUME
Regardless of the means by which a potential Traffic Calming Plan is triggered, measured evidence of
high speed and/or volume is required to justify the investment of resources required to develop and
implement a Traffic Calming Plan. Streets are designed to carry an appropriate volume of vehicle traffic
and those vehicles are permitted to drive up to (but not over) the posted speed limit. Investing
resources where there is no measured problem impedes finding solutions where real problems exist.
Page 5 of 14
53
CITY OF SAINT JOHN -TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY April 2012
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
A traffic survey, using specialized equipment to measure speed and/or volume of the vehicle traffic,
shall be completed on behalf of the Traffic Engineer. The results of this survey shall be analyzed and one
of the three following criteria must be satisfied:
Where the neighbourhood is concerned about the speed of vehicle traffic, the average speed of
vehicles must be equal to or greater than 2 KM/H below the current or appropriate posted speed
limit for the Plan to be considered further.
Where the neighbourhood is concerned about the volume of vehicle traffic on a Local street, there
must be more than an average of 1000 vehicles per day counted over the length of the traffic
survey for the Plan to be considered further. Traffic Calming Plans will not be considered on
Collector or Arterial streets when the concern is vehicle traffic volume as such streets are expected
to service higher volumes, including through traffic.
Where the neighbourhood is concerned about conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians, there
must be no sidewalks on the street, the street must be classified as Local and either (1) the
average speed of vehicles must be equal to or greater than 5 KM/H below the current or
appropriate posted speed or (2) there must be more than an average of 500 vehicles per day
counted over the length of the traffic survey for the Plan to be considered further.
The requesting citizen, Planning Staff (in the case of a Neighbourhood Plan), Capital project coordinator
or Police Force (depending upon the means by which the potential opportunity was triggered) shall be
notified of the results of the survey and whether the results indicate the Plan would continue to the next
phase in this process based on the above criteria.
PRIORITIZE TRAFFIC CALMING PLAN
The number of Traffic Calming Plans that are warranted to reduce higher than desirable vehicle traffic
speed and/or volume is often greater than the number that can be designed and implemented within
one year based on existing resources. Criteria are to be used to prioritize each Plan so that the most
critical Plans get implemented first. The criteria and point system on the following page are used to
weigh and prioritize the list of outstanding Plans:
1 As determined by the Traffic Engineer, the suitability of the posted speed limit on a street may be reviewed when
the concern is vehicle speed. TAC's "Canadian Guide for Establishing Posted Speed Limits" will be referenced in
these instances to determine if a more appropriate (than currently posted) speed limit is warranted. In cases
where such a review results in a recommended change to the posted speed limit, the new appropriate speed limit
will be referenced in the place of the currently posted speed limit against the actual surveyed speeds. The new
speed limit will be considered as part of the Traffic Calming Plan and would result in a staff -recommended
amendment to the Traffic By -Law (to be considered by Common Council). A review of the speed limit is intensive
in the traffic engineering resources required to complete the assessment, and therefore this analysis will occur at
the discretion of the Traffic Engineer.
Page 6 of 14
54
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
CRITERIA
WEIGHTING
Street is within a Neighbourhood Intensification Area, as defined within the Municipal
Plan
0 or 1
Street has no sidewalks physically separating pedestrians from vehicles
0 or 1
Stopping sight distance for motorist's view of pedestrians at marked or unmarked
crosswalks can be brought within acceptable levels at the posted speed limit
0 or 1
Street has no painted bike lanes or separated bike trails separating cyclists from vehicles
0 or 1
Street is within 500 m walking distance from a daycare, pre-school, elementary school or
middle school
0 or 2
Street is within 500 m walking distance from a park, place of worship, hospital, or
community centre
0 or 2
Average speed of vehicles measured is equal to or greater than 5 km/h over the speed
limit during the traffic survey
0 or 1
Over 1500 vehicles per day are counted on a local street during the traffic survey
0 or 1
TOTAL
/10
IDENTIFY TIMING OF PLAN DEVELOPMENT
The timing of development of a Traffic Calming Plan will be influenced by its Priority relative to other
Plans, a neighbourhood's willingness to fund the Traffic Calming project, timing of a planned Capital
projector timing of an overall Neighbourhood Plan through PlanSJ.
A neighbourhood group can, at their expense, engage an engineering consultant to develop a Traffic
Calming Plan based on this Policy. The Traffic and City Engineer shall consider this option in context of
this Policy if this avenue was chosen by a neighbourhood group.
A Traffic Calming Plan on a street planned for reconstruction within a Capital project will be developed
and implemented as the Capital project timeline unfolds.
Page 7 of 14
55
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
A Traffic Calming Plan included within an area encompassing a future Neighbourhood Plan requires
coordination with the PlanSJ team:
if development of a Traffic Calming Plan is anticipated to be within 10 years of planned completion
of a larger Neighbourhood Plan, a Short Term Phase and a Long Term Phase of the Traffic Calming
Plan shall be developed. The Short Term Phase of the Traffic Calming Plan with minor and less
costly investments shall be developed and implemented in a time dictated by the Plan's Priority
relative to other Traffic Calming Plans or by a neighbourhood group's willingness to pay. The Long
Term Phase with more significant investment shall be developed and implemented in coordination
with the completion of the Neighbourhood Plan.
If development of a Traffic Calming Plan is anticipated to not be within 10 years of planned
completion of a larger Neighbourhood Plan, the entire Traffic Calming Plan (Short and/or Long
Term Phases) shall be developed and implemented in a time dictated by the Plan's Priority relative
to other Traffic Calming Plans or by a neighbourhood group's willingness to pay.
In all other cases, Traffic Calming Plans shall be developed and implemented in a time dictated by the
Plan's Priority relative to other Traffic Calming Plans.
DEVELOP TRAFFIC CALMING MEASURES
When it is time to develop the Traffic Calming Plan, street -specific Traffic Calming Measures will be
developed by the Traffic Engineer, Capital Engineering (in the case of a pre -planned Capital project), or
an engineering consultant engaged by a neighbourhood group. Measures used will be unique to the
differing issues of each neighbourhood. Given the documented effectiveness, physical traffic calming
measures will be incorporated into most Traffic Calming Plans, with support of other steps such as
signage enhancements. Although a wide range of physical and other measures are available, including
those detailed in TAC's Guide, the following will be generally given consideration first:
Speed Limit Enforcement The Police Force enforces speed limits and other traffic
regulations. Enforcement along busier arterial streets is
typically given priority, limiting availability of resources on
neighbourhood streets. Speed limit enforcement is
considered a short term solution.
Land Use Planning In some instances vehicles generated by a land use near a
Opportunities neighbourhood street will influence characteristics of traffic
on the street. Collaboration with City Planners to identify
opportunities to modify land use will occur in these
instances.
Page 8 of 14
56
CITY OFSAINTIOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
Transportation System Excessive volume of cut -through traffic on neighbourhood
Improvements streets may be diverted back onto arterial or collector
streets if motorists percieve the alternative as being a
shorter -route option through improvements to traffic flow.
Speed Humps
Speed humps are similar to speed
bumps but are wider for speeds
expected on a street and can
effectively reduce vehicle speed.
These cause a vehicle to rise and
fall over a portion of a street giving
a sense of speed to the motorist when travelling too fast.
Variations of the speed hump are possible depending on
street type and situations where emergency vehicle speed
should not be negatively impacted.
Raised Crosswalk Raised crosswalks are similar to
speed humps, but are located at
crosswalks to both slow vehicle
speed and to enhance the visibility
of pedestrians to motorists.
Street Narrowing Narrowing a street puts roadside
features such as curbing,
sidewalks, trees, etc. as well as
vehicles approaching from the
other direction closer to a
Traffic Circle or Roundabout
motorist, causing a motorist to
perceive less lateral room to travel and thus to slow down.
This measure can be costly.
Traffic Circles and Roundabouts
are circular street intersections
where vehicles travel counter-
clockwise through them until
reaching the street they intend to
travel. They can improve traffic
flow and safety at an intersection.
They force vehicles to slow down as they navigate around
the circle. Traffic circles, being smaller, can be retrofit into
an existing intersection, can be less expensive but both are
considerably more expensive than most other options.
57
Page 9 of 14
CITY OF SAINTJOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
Painted White/Yellow Lines
Directional Closure
Painting white or yellow lines on a
street is an economical alternative
to street narrowing. White lines
adjacent to the edge of the street
and/or a yellow line along its
centre create narrowed vehicle
travel lanes. The space between the street edge and the
white line can also be a bike lane where such facilities are
deemed appropriate.
April 2012
A directional closure involves
converting a street from 2 -way to
one-way traffic, often with
physical changes to one end of the
street. This measure is used to
reduce vehicle volume.
Change to Posted Speed Limit Speed limits should reflect the physical characteristics of the
street and potential use by other users such as cyclists or
pedestrians. The posted speed limit will be reviewed in some
cases using TAC's "Canadian Guide for Establishing Posted
Speed Limits". Common Council would be asked to consider
staff recommended changes on a case-by-case basis.
Amendment to the Traffic By -Law is required — to add subsections 3 and 4 to section 18
and to add Schedule M-3 (30 KM/H Speed Limits) and M-4 (40 KM/H Speed Limits) - as
some local streets warrant a 30 KM/H or 40 KM/H posted speed limit as opposed to
existing 50 KM/H or higher limits.
Speed Display Signs
Electronic signs that measure and
display vehicle speeds provide a
visual cue to motorists (to
compliment their own
speedometer) when travelling
over the posted speed limit.
These signs could be temporary or
permanent, but are costly.
Page 10 of 14
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
School Zone Signs In 2007 the Province of New -
Brunswick amended its Motor
Vehicle Act to allow issued fines •
for speeding in a clearly marked
School Zone between the hours of
7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to be
doubled. Within a municipality the
speed limit in a School Zone is also 50 KM/H within these
times regardless of the posted limit on the street outside the
Zone. Such penalties seek to discourage speeding in School
Zones where there are young children. A clearly marked
School Zone requires florescent yellow -green "School Zone"
and "School Zone End" signs. These zones also need to be
listed in the City's Traffic By -Law. In appropriate instances a
reduced speed limit for the School Zone would also be
considered. Common Council would be asked to consider
staff recommended changes on a case-by-case basis.
TAC has guidelines and will be referenced when establishing
the location of School Zones.
Amendment to the Traffic By -Law is required — to amend Section 23 and to add Schedule S
(School Zones) and S-1 (School Zones having a 40 km/h rate of speed).
Brighter Crosswalk Signs Florescent crosswalk signs replace
standard signs in school areas and
at some busier crosswalks. Such
signs may be placed where
crosswalks are part of a Traffic
Calming Plan only in very limited
instances where a heightened-�•.w.,,,�,,,,,�,,
awareness of a crosswalk by
motorists is required.
Pedestrian or Traffic Signals Signals that give clear right-of-way
to pedestrians and motorists are
suggested in instances outlined by
TAC guidelines and may be
considered as part of an overall
Traffic Calming Plan.
59
Page 11 of 14
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
Multi -Way Stop Intersections Installation of Stop signs at all
approaches of an intersection can
be effective where there is a
history of collisions associated with
turning vehicles and where
installation of the signs are
April 2012
warranted based on engineering
criteria and judgment. Traffic flow improvement is possible
in some cases. A different TAC guide' provides warrants in
these situations. Multi -Way Stop intersections will not be
considered as a solution to a vehicle traffic speed problem
because of their documented ineffectiveness.
SEEK INPUT FROM EMERGENCY AND TRANSIT SERVICES
Physical traffic calming measures that reduce the speed of vehicle traffic may also reduce the speed and
response time of Emergency Service vehicles. Physical measures may also impact Transit vehicles. The
proposed Traffic Calming Measures shall be distributed to the Emergency Services (Fire, Police and
Ambulance) as well as to Saint John Transit for input with potential changes to the proposed measures
made based on input received from these services. Some measures, such as speed humps with open
wheel paths for the wider Emergency vehicles, can be considered for example. Ultimately, the overall
safety of a neighbourhood needs to be considered by balancing a need to reduce vehicle speed with
ensuring Emergency Services can respond to an incident within an acceptable time frame and with
operational requirements of Saint John Transit.
CONDUCT NEIGHBOURHOOD MEETING
A neighbourhood meeting will be chaired jointly by the Traffic Engineer (or his/her designate) and the
citizen who raised the original concern (or that person's designate), and be supported by the Saint John
Police Force. The primary purposes of this meeting are:
1. To educate the neighbourhood of the Traffic Calming Policy and the benefits and limitations of
Traffic Calming plans and measures,
2. Clarify the concerns of the neighbourhood, and
3. Review the intended Traffic Calming Measures with the neighbourhood to ensure they address
the concerns where possible and seek support for the intended measures or obtain
suggestions for alternate measures.
2 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada
Page 12 of 14
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
April 2012
In the case of an approved Capital project, this neighbourhood meeting will be coordinated by the
project coordinator as part of a larger project meeting. In the case of a Traffic Calming Plan being
developed through funding by a neighbourhood group, the engineering consultant shall coordinate
the meeting with the neighbourhood and City's Traffic Engineer. In the case where implementation
of a Traffic Calming Plan is within ten years of a proposed Neighbourhood Plan, the discussion of
more significant and costly traffic calming measures (Long Term Phase) shall be incorporated into
community meetings for the Neighbourhood Plan.
REFINE PLAN WITH NEIGHBOURHOOD INPUT
The Traffic Engineer, Capital project coordinator, or consultant will consider adjustments to the Traffic
Calming plan and/or measures based on the feedback at the Neighbourhood Meeting where possible.
COMMON COUNCIL CONSIDERS APPROVAL OF PLAN WHERE REQUIRED
Some Traffic Calming Plans, including less costly measures in a Short Term Phase of a Plan, can be
implemented within the scope of the Operating budget. In such a case City staff will schedule
completion of the Plan. Isolated physical measures such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, and painted
lines, as well as posting of speed limit, speed display and School Zone signs are often within the scope of
the Operating budget.
In other cases, where the Plan for a neighbourhood is outside the scope of the Operating budget, staff
will present to Common Council for consideration of approving the plan, including the resources
required for implementation of the Plan within a future year Transportation Capital or Operating
budget.
More costly traffic calming measures (Long Term Phase) to be incorporated into a Neighbourhood Plan
will follow the approval process of the Neighbourhood Plan.
IMPLEMENT PLAN
The Traffic Calming measures are implemented within the neighbourhood when the Plan is approved
and/or appropriate level of resources is available.
MEASURE PERFORMANCE OF PLAN
Measuring the performance of implemented Traffic Calming Plans is key to assuring success and to learn
toward continuous improvement of future Plans, as well as for updates to this Traffic Calming Policy.
Key Performance Measures to be considered shall include:
1. Comparison of the vehicle traffic speed and/or volume before and after the implementation;
and
2. Cost of the design and installation of an implemented Plan.
Page 13 of 14
61
CITY OF SAINT JOHN - TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY April 2012
"Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorists Sharing Street Spaces"
UPDATE TRAFFIC CALMING POLICY
This policy is a living document; to be updated periodically, as required through opportunities learned in
developing a Traffic Calming Plan or other strategic plans such as implementation of the Municipal Plan
or the Transportation Strategic Plan. Such updates will continuously improve this Policy and subsequent
Plans. Recommended policy updates will be presented to Common Council for consideration.
Page 14 of 14
W