SPEED CONTROL POLICY

1.1    To enhance the quality of life in neighbourhoods by addressing concerns related to traffic volumes, vehicle speeds, and the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
1.2    The policy aims to alleviate residents’ concerns and improve safety through effective speed control and traffic calming measures.

2.1    This policy applies to residential streets within the City of Niagara Falls.
2.2    It is intended for neighbourhoods where traffic conditions negatively impact safety and livability, and where residents have expressed concerns regarding speeding and non-local traffic.

3.1    “Traffic Calming” The implementation of physical measures to alter motorist behaviour, reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, and improve conditions for non-motorized street users.
3.2    “Speed Control Measures” Primarily speed humps and, in some cases, traffic circles, designed to reduce vehicular speeds and discourage non-local traffic.
3.3    “Operating Speed” The speed at which vehicles travel on a street.
3.4    “Pedestrian Generator” Facilities such as schools, parks, or retirement homes that increase pedestrian activity on adjacent streets.

4.1    Neighbourhood traffic calming measures may be implemented to resolve traffic and safety problems on residential streets.
4.2    Effective speed control measures include speed humps and, in some cases, traffic circles. All-way stops alone are generally not effective for speed control.
4.3    For speed control devices to be considered:
4.3.1.    At least 51% of residents on the street must be in favour of the devices.
4.3.2.    A speeding problem must be identified:
4.3.2.1.    Operating speed in 10km/h or more above the speed limit (e.g., 61km/h or more in a 50km/h zone) on a residential collector or local street.
4.3.2.2.    Operating speed is between 1 km/h and 10 km/h over the speed limite (e.g., 53 km/h in a 50 km/h zone) when there is at least one pedestrian generator abutting the street.
4.4    Residents who believe their street is a good candidate for speed control measures should submit correspondence to the City’s Transportation Services Department.
4.5    Upon receipt, the City will schedule technical studies to determine if a speeding problem exists. If confirmed, a questionnaire will be sent to all affected property owners to gather opinions on speed control devices.

5.1    The next review dated is scheduled for September 18, 2030