SERVICES | TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS - TRAFFIC CALMING

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 range from providing traffic and parking enforcement, to bringing traffic education to neighborhood groups and schools, to installing various engineering devices, such as a crosswalk to enhance visibility of pedestrians or traffic island to slow traffic movements.

The Traffic Calming Toolkit serves as a guidebook for community members on how to access various traffic calming services. It includes specific information about the updated residential neighborhood traffic calming policy adopted by the City Council in June 2008. The toolkit also describes various traffic calming measures, including their intended application, pros and cons, and approximate costs. The application of these measures depends upon available funding in any given year. For example, in FY09-10, City resources are only available for Basic Traffic Calming Elements. For neighborhoods that meet the policy defined threshold criteria for Comprehensive Traffic Calming Elements, the City will work with neighborhood groups that have alternate funding sources to develop an appropriate project to mitigate adverse traffic conditions that may be present.

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 program a review of your concerns. Most basic traffic studies can be completed and implemented within 35 - 50 days. Examples would be red curb painting near a crosswalk or installation of a roadway warning sign.

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.

WHAT IF I WANT MORE ENFORCEMENT?

The San Jose Police Department's Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) encourages residents, neighborhood groups and schools to request traffic enforcement through their online request form. This form enables the community to provide specific information regarding their concerns. You may make an online request for traffic enforcement at: Traffic Enforcement Request Form By San Jose PD (On Line Request)

The Department of Transportation's Parking Compliance Unit provides support to schools and neighborhoods to encourage compliance with posted parking restrictions. Specifics areas of focus include: schools, no parking/stopping zones, disabled parking spaces, residential permit parking areas, and scheduled street sweeping. Parking Compliance services can be requested at:

Phone: 534-29000
E-mail: parking.compliance@sanjoseca.gov

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)