SERVICES | TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS - TRAFFIC CALMING

IS SPEEDING, TOO MUCH TRAFFIC OR OTHER UNSAFE DRIVING A PROBLEM IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? If so, then San José’s Traffic Calming program is for you!

WHAT IS TRAFFIC CALMING?

Traffic Calming is a way to manage traffic so that its negative impacts on residents, pedestrians and schools are minimized. Traffic calming solutions can range from the installation of a crosswalk near an elementary school to the installation of traffic islands to slow or restrict traffic movements. Because San Jose is dedicated to continue improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods, traffic calming solutions should have positive results, such as the following:

• More residents will choose to walk or ride bicycles
• Traffic should move more slowly and courteously
• Community pride and satisfaction levels should improve
• Safety statistics should improve

View Traffic Calming Toolkit in PDF format

HOW DO I GET TRAFFIC CALMING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD?

The first step is to contact the City's Department of Transportation (DOT) and describe your concern or traffic problem.

The quickest way is to call or e-mail us at:

Phone: 408-535-3850 (ask for Traffic Engineering)
E-mail: traffic.calming@sanjoseca.gov

Once we've heard from you, we'll immediately begin a review of your concerns. Most basic traffic studies can be completed and implemented within 35 days. Examples would be red curb painting near a crosswalk, posting of truck restrictions, or painting of traffic markings on the pavement.

Some solutions require community involvement because they can result in loss of parking, stronger enforcement measures or redirecting traffic onto other roadways. DOT engineers can meet with neighborhood representatives to analyze the appropriate solutions, allowing for community input throughout the process. Projects will be prioritized for implementation based upon the severity of the traffic condition and availability of funding resources.

WHAT IF I WANT MORE ENFORCEMENT?

While we don't have enough resources to constantly patrol your streets, we can work with the San Jose Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) to provide higher than normal levels of enforcement at select times of day and locations. You may make an online request for traffic enforcement at : Traffic Enforcement Request Form By San Jose PD (On Line Request)

WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP IMPROVE SAFETY?

Traffic Calming does not work by itself, but requires neighborhood support to keep our streets safe. Educating all roadway users to share the road and to respect the rights of other users will increase the safety of our neighborhoods.

• If you are a driver, respect the right of a pedestrian who is crossing at a marked or unmarked crossing.
• If you are a pedestrian, do not insist on your right of way and don't put yourself at unnecessary risk. Cross at intersections and use controlled crossings, where possible, on busy streets.
• As a parent, educate your children on the need for safety when crossing streets.
• Pay attention to your driving habits and do not exceed the speed limit.
  

OTHER HELPFUL NUMBERS

This publication can be made available upon request in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer disc. Requests can be made by calling 408 535-3850 (voice) or 408 998-5299 (TTY)