Traffic Management schemes are introduced to solve an identified problem in one or more roads. The need for a scheme can be identified in a variety of ways. It may, for example, be a bad accident record or the concerns of residents that prompts an investigation. To deal with this and the number of requests that are received, priority is given to the worst problems first.
There is no single solution to problems associated with traffic management. A variety of measures are used sometimes in combination. These include:
Traffic Calming Measures
Measures to change the horizontal and/or vertical alignments of the road e.g.
- road narrowings,
- chicanes,
- build-outs,
- speed humps,
- cushions or tables,
- roundabouts,
- entrance gateways
- coloured surfacing.
One Way Streets, Banned Turns and No Entry
These help control traffic movements, without completely restricting access. They can stop commuter "rat-runs" which occur. One-way working may be for the whole length of a street, or in a short length at one end - a one-way plug.
A suitable alternative route must be identified and available for traffic travelling in the opposite direction to the one-way street, or for traffic needing to turn in the direction of the ban. This alternative would not normally be via a residential road.
One-way streets often lead to an increase in traffic speed. Short lengths are difficult to enforce if drivers are irresponsible and determined enough to drive against the one-way. This is dangerous and illegal.
Some residents find one-way streets and banned movements inconvenient as they may result in reduced levels of access to their homes.
Traffic Islands/Pedestrian Refuges
They assist pedestrians by letting them cross the road in two stages. The restriction to the use of this measure is the width of the carriageway. If the road width cannot accommodate a pedestrian refuge island, sometimes traffic islands are introduced to assist in reducing vehicle speeds.
Junctions
There are a number of grades of priority junction throughout the Council area. Some junctions in residential areas may have no form of priority road marking but may have an edge of the carriageway to highlight the junction.
Other junctions may have a 'give way' line, a 'give way' line and triangle marking and a 'give way' line, a triangle marking and a 'give way' sign.
Some junctions may have a 'STOP' and associated marking. These are used infrequently, in order to ensure that they have more impact on motorists. There are strict criteria, relating to visibility distances of approaching traffic, which must be met before 'STOP' signs can be introduced.
Junction Entry Treatments
A junction entry treatment is placed across the carriageway of the minor road at a road junction. The object is to show motorists that they are leaving a main road and entering a residential area and to raise the priority for pedestrians crossing the junction. This treatment often has a kerb build out and gateway features.
Traffic Signals
Traffic signals are designed to optimise and control traffic at a junction by sharing out the time to different arms of the junction and to pedestrians. Traffic signals do not always solve accident problems.
Roundabouts
Normal roundabouts are intended to assist at a junction where there is a heavy right turning movement. They work best where traffic flows on each arm are reasonably well balanced.
Mini Roundabouts
Mini roundabouts are introduced both as a means of reducing vehicle speeds, and to assist right turning movements. Their advantage over full-size roundabouts is that they can often be accommodated within the existing road space, without expensive road widening.
As at a full-size roundabout, the rule at a mini-roundabout is 'give way' to traffic from the right.
Last updated: Tuesday, January 26, 2021 2:55 PM