Asset Services Information Sheet – Requests for Traffic Management

Introduction

Speeding vehicles and reckless driving continue to be a source of concern for Council and the residents of the Town of Bassendean. Whilst many see speed humps, roundabouts and other traffic calming devices as a means of reducing incidents of speeding or reckless driving, the truth of the matter is that some offenders consider these measures a challenge and not a deterrent.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traffic Calming

The advantages and disadvantages of traffic calming will depend on the type used. Whilst most people support in principle the need for traffic calming devices, some are not as keen to have them installed in front of their house. This is quite understandable as they will be the people most affected by the installation.

Advantages of traffic calming include:

It may slow traffic by 20 to 40 km/h.
It may slow traffic for the entire length of the street when used in series.
It may discourage through traffic and reduce traffic volumes.
It may enhance the streetscape when landscaped.
It may provide refuge for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the street.

Disadvantages of traffic calming include:

It may increase vehicle noise through braking, accelerating and vertical load displacement.
It may adversely affect access for emergency and commercial vehicles.
It may adversely affect on-street parking.
In may adversely affect access to and from residential properties.
It may transfer traffic flow to other residential streets in the area.
It may interfere with the flow of stormwater resulting in additional drainage costs.
It may create a squeeze point for motorists and cyclists thus creating confrontation between users.

Installation of 50 km/h Speed Zone Signs

A common request from residents of the Town when asking for traffic calming is for 50 km/h speed signs to be placed in residential streets. The provision of these and other roadside signs in the responsibility of Main Roads Western Australia. Main Roads guidelines do not allow for the installation of 50 km/h speed signs covered by the default “built up area” speed limit. The onus is on the motorist to determine if they are driving within a built up area and to adjust their speed accordingly. 50 km/h speed signs are not installed on roads where the Road Traffic Code’s 50km/h speed limit applies unless there is a change in speed limit, or the road is a dual carriageway.

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