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Traffic calming solutions
When there is a road accident pattern in a certain area or road, there are a number of potential engineering solutions available to us. They generally fall into one of the following measures:
Physical traffic calming measures Research has shown that physical calming measures have the greatest effect on reducing casualty numbers as they physically affect the speed of the traffic. The full range of these measures can be seen across the Borough including chicanes, throttles, rumble strips, road humps, speed tables and speed cushions. We also use, traffic islands, pedestrian crossings and mini roundabouts to assist in accident reduction. The Council has a preference to install ‘non-vertical’ measures (vertical measures include road humps and speed tables).
Detailed information on traffic calming measures is available here.
Signs and markings
Road signs and markings are used as a means of informing drivers, cyclists and pedestrians of changes to the road layout ahead and the existence of certain restrictions.
Road signs and marking information available here.
The Council has purchased a number of vehicle activated signs, which use a radar gun to display the speed of passing traffic on a large digital display. The devices are used to draw the attention of passing drivers to their current speed and the speed limit. The recorded data can help us decide if further use of the device is warranted or we need to use another accident reduction measure. These signs are advisory and are not enforced by the Police.
Speed limits Speeding traffic causes great concern to many people. Speed limits are the maximum speed at which vehicles may legally travel. They are used to keep speeds to a level which is regarded as reasonable for the road and area concerned. Many drivers exceed the limits and in doing so put pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers at risk.
Currently, 20 mph zones are being introduced in major residential areas of the Borough and around schools. These are areas in which a 20 mph speed limit is imposed in order to decrease the risk of accidents and to promote a safer environment through reducing vehicle speeds.
Safety cameras
There are two types of safety camera. Red light cameras are cable operated and speed cameras, which are radar operated. Currently, there are 8 red light cameras and 9 speed cameras in the Borough.
Whilst the Council (and Transport for London (TFL) on Red routes) identify locations for speed cameras, they are installed and maintained by Traffic Technology Services (part of TFL Street Management) and operated by the Police. We are working with these agencies to investigate if more camera sites can be introduced on both Borough roads and Red routes in Bromley.
Further information about all of these measures can be found by selecting the links below:
Transport for London website Bromley’s Road Safety Plan Royal Society for the prevention of accident’s website Department for Transport website