Speed Control
The term "Traffic Calming" is widely used to describe methods
of altering motorist behavior on a street to suit the character
of the area they move through. These methods all share the goal
of reducing vehicle speeds, improving safety and enhancing
quality of life. The need for traffic calming stems from an
increase in complaints about traffic on neighborhood streets.
Increased traffic through neighborhoods threatens the integrity
and character of the neighborhood and puts non-motorized users
at risk. Traffic calming is accomplished in three primary ways
education, enforcement, and engineering.
Education - Educating the public is the
first step. We help residents understand the source of the
problem by providing traffic data for their area and supplying
information on how traffic systems and regulations define
various solutions. In addition, public education efforts can
help drivers understand their impact on traffic management and
safety.
Enforcement - Traffic enforcement is stepped
up to see if that will calm speeders. Citizens can request
increased police enforcement in a given area by submitting a
Traffic Enforcement Request Form or calling 480-644-3533.
An officer will be assigned to enforce your specific need(s).
Sometimes drivers do not check their speedometers while on
residential streets. Other speed mitigation programs are
currently available for Mesa Residents to get involved in
reducing speeds in their neighborhood. These are the Speed
Trailer, Neighborhood Speed Watch, Block Watch Program and the
Pace Car Program. Additional information can be obtained by
calling 480-644-2160.
Engineering - If education and enforcement
efforts do not solve the problem, engineering design changes can
be evaluated. Traffic calming.ces are simple street design
features that cause motorists to drive with more care; to drive
more slowly; or, perhaps, drive via another route. All these
approaches can be considered when designing a traffic calming
plan.
Speed humps are the only traffic calming measure Mesa
currently employs. Additional information can be obtained by
calling 480-644-2160.
Speed Control Tools
Speed Humps
Speed humps are traffic calming tools that slow vehicles down
on residential streets. They are uniform, across the entire
street and can feel abrupt if approached too fast. The average
speed at the base of a speed hump is 18 mph. The challenge with
speed humps is that they slow emergency vehicles down and cannot
be installed on Mesa Fire Department access routes.
City of Mesa Speed Hump and Cushion Policy
Speed Cushions
Speed cushions are the answer to neighborhoods who have a
problem with speeding and also live on Mesa Fire Department
access routes. Speed cushions have gaps in between them that an
average car cannot straddle but a fire engine or ambulance can.
Many vehicles maneuver speed cushions with one tire on the
cushion and the other in the gap. The challenge with speed
cushions is that they do not slow traffic down as much as speed
humps. The average speed at the base of a speed cushion is 21
mph. But for many neighborhoods, speed cushions are the only
option. For more information about the City of Mesa speed
cushion program go to
http://www.mesaaz.gov/speed
City of Mesa Speed Hump and Cushion Policy
Roundabouts
A modern roundabout is an unsignalized circular intersection
engineered to maximize safety and minimize traffic delay. The
Arizona Department of Transportation provides
information about the use of roundabouts and safety tips for
drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Transportation
300 E. 6th St.
Mesa, AZ 85201
Mailing Address:
City of Mesa
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Fridays & Holidays
480.644.2160
480.644.2262 (after hours)
E-mail
MyMesa