Traffic Calming

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Home > Services > Residential Services > Transportation and Fleet Management Services > Traffic Services > Traffic Calming

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming is defined as the combination of physical measures such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, curb bump-outs, chicanes that may reduce vehicular speeds, alter motorist behaviour and improve safety for pedestrians/cyclists.
Traffic Calmed Neighbourhood sign

Traffic calming may serve to:

Reduce vehicular speeds
Reduce the number and severity of collisions
Improve pedestrian and cyclist safety
Improve the quality of the environment
May reduce traffic volumes

To request or report an issue with neighbourhood traffic calmin, please contact Access Vaughan at accessvaughan@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281. You may also make reports and requests online:

Traffic calming is achieved through the implementation of measures, classified as vertical, horizontal or other.

Vertical traffic-calming measures include speed humps, raised crosswalks and raised intersections. These measures have a physical effect on motorists and their vehicles and are usually the most effective at reducing traffic speeds.

Speed Hump

Not a speed bump
A raised section of roadway, seven metres (20 feet) long, and 100 millimetres (four inches) high
Used between intersections

Slows motorists by vertically deflecting a vehicle, creating an uncomfortable feeling at higher speeds

Raised Crosswalk

Similar to a speed hump

Incorporates a marked pedestrian crossing and features a coloured, impressed concrete top

Raised Intersection

A raised area where two roadways intersect
Slows motorists as they enter and exit an intersection

Usually used when constructing new streets

Horizontal traffic-calming measures include traffic circles/roundabouts, medians, curb extensions or bump-outs, and chicanes. These measures have a physical or psychological effect on motorists and are somewhat effective in reducing traffic speeds.

Roundabout A raised island with splitter islands on each approach located in the centre of an intersection Slows motorists as they must steer counter-clockwise around the island Reduces delay and angle collisions Note: drivers are to yield to pedestrians when entering or exiting roundabouts and pedestrians must use sidewalks to cross – never to cross through the centre
Traffic circles Small in diameter Used in low speed, low volume residential areas
Median A raised section of roadway between opposing lanes of traffic Slows motorists by reducing the width of the roadway
Curb Extension/Road Narrowing An intrusion of the curb into the roadway, either at or between intersections Shortens pedestrian crossing distances Slows motorists by reducing the width of the roadway Most effective when motorists are opposed by traffic
Chicane A series of curb bump-outs alternating from one side of the street to the other Slows motorists because they must steer around the bump-out Most effective when motorists are opposed by traffic

Other traffic-calming measures can include contrasting materials, pavement markings and signage. These measures have a psychological effect on motorists, and are occasionally effective at reducing traffic speeds.

Contrasting Materials For example, coloured impressed concrete crosswalks at an intersection.
Pavement Markings For example, lines along the edge of the roadway to make it appear narrower, and durable crosswalk markings to enhance the appearance of crosswalks.
Warning Signage Examples include Pedestrian Ahead signs and Playground Ahead signs.
Edgelines Edgelines are used as a traffic-calming measure. A white solid line, known as a pavement marking. They will be painted close to the edge of the road to visually narrow the road width. They do not affect on-street parking.
In-road Flexible Signs Flexible post signs are a new concept in Ontario aimed at managing speed by installing flexible signs to create a physical narrowing effect of the street. The signs are removed prior to winter months for snow plow operations. These signs are designed to flex upon impact which would prevent potential damage to cars and not slow down emergency vehicles.