Traffic schemes
Traffic management schemes aim to solve a problem identified in one or more roads.
The need for a scheme can be identified by:
- a bad accident record
- concerns of residents
Potential schemes are assessed against policies to:
- reduce:
- accident levels
- the impact of commuter parking
- promote:
- the maintenance and improvement of public transport
- cycling
- seek equitable levels of mobility and accessibility for all groups of people including:
- people with disabilities
- children
- the old and infirm
- restrain traffic and safeguard the environment
- improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience
Consultations
We consult residents for their views before introducing any new traffic measures.
Please see the road safety consultations page for details of current consultations.
Traffic management solutions
There is no single solution to problems associated with traffic management. A variety of measures are used, sometimes in combination.
For detailed information on traffic management schemes, please see:
Speed humps
Speed humps:
- are an effective way of controlling traffic speed
- reduce the number and seriousness of accidents, especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists
- discourage heavy vehicles and ‘through traffic’
- promote cycling and walking
- promote a greater feeling of safety
Chicanes and throttles
Chicanes and throttles are intended to reduce traffic speed. They do this by reducing a short length of carriageway width.
Kerb build outs
At some road junctions visibility is often reduced because of:
- the shape of the road
- parked cars
Building the kerb into the carriageway allows motorists and pedestrians to see and be seen better as:
- motorists emerging from a side road can safely pull out further
- pedestrians have more space to stand
Width restrictions
Posts or bollards are placed in the road about 2.1 metres apart. Vehicles wider than this cannot pass between them.
One-way streets, banned turns and no entry
These:
- help control traffic movements without completely restricting access
- can minimise commuter ‘rat-runs’
Road closures
These are an effective, self-enforcing means of stopping all through traffic. Roads are usually closed by a barrier with emergency access for:
- police
- fire engines
- ambulances
Roundabouts
Standard roundabouts assist a junction where there is a heavy right turning movement.
Mini roundabouts:
- reduce accidents by slowing traffic
- assist right turning movements
Pedestrian crossings (zebra or signalled crossings)
Please see our pedestrian crossings page for full information and how to request one.
Facilities for the disabled
The following are facilities for the disabled:
- tactile paving for people with impaired vision at:
- all new zebra and pelican crossings
- many ramped crossing points
- many single pelican crossings indicate when it is safe to cross with:
- audible signals
- green man signal
- tactile knob for the visually impaired on the pedestrian push-buttons at some:
- two-stage pelican crossings
- junction signals
Junction entry treatments
A junction entry treatment is placed across the carriageway of a minor road at a road junction.
The object is to show:
- motorists that they are leaving a main road and entering a residential area
- raise the priority for pedestrians crossing the junction
White carriageway markings
Carriageway markings at junctions provide an indication of priorities. As centre or lane lines, they indicate the best line for vehicles to follow.
Continuous white lines
Continuous white centre line markings must not be crossed and are generally used to:
- prevent overtaking and
- reduce speeds in roads with poor visibility due to bends or the crests of hills
Road junctions
Some junctions in residential areas may have no form of priority road marking.
Other junctions may have a:
- give way line
- give way line and triangle marking
- give way line, a triangle marking and a give way sign
- stop sign and marking
Traffic signals and control
Traffic signals optimise and control traffic at a junction. They do this by sharing the time pedestrians and different arms of traffic can go.
20 mph zones
Please see our speed limit page.