Chapter 20: Traffic Calming

In the broadest sense, traffic calming is the process of reducing the physical and social impacts of traffic on urban life, principally through the reduction of traffic speeds and volumes. Its main objectives are to reduce accidents and help to improve urban amenity.

In principle, traffic calming may be directed at neighborhood streets and areas, urban or rural corridors, or whole cities. Programs may involve direct intervention using physical devices or other management techniques (including emerging technologies), or more fundamental social changes that result in different travel choices and driver behavior. This can mean, ultimately, reduction in the total levels of traffic in cities.