Traffic Calming

The City recognizes that speed, volume, and behaviour of motorized vehicles in neighbourhoods are significant concerns of some residents, and that area traffic management measures can improve public safety and livability. To help address these issues, the City uses a variety of methods:

Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailers

We deploy Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailers in neighborhoods, construction zones, and other locations to help promote compliance with speed limits. The trailer board is an unmanned portable speed display unit that is placed in a desired location. Once deployed, it displays speeds of oncoming vehicles on a highly visible LED display. A speed limit sign mounted on the unit reminds drivers of the speed limit. These units are well received and in great demand by the public. They give drivers the opportunity to see how fast they are actually going and to modify their driving behaviour by slowing down.

Traffic Speed and Volume Counts

We regularly monitor local roads for volume and speed issues by conducting counts using automatic traffic counters. This data provides us with information that reflects current conditions, as well as analyzes changes. Data from these counts is used to help make important traffic management decisions. 

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming aims to change driver behaviour, reduce vehicle speeds, improve safety, limit shortcutting, and enhance quality of life.

An example of this is the Ross Road Traffic Calming Project.

The City uses the Canadian Guide for Neighbourhood Traffic and other traffic calming guides to develop traffic calming plans for neighbourhoods to reduce speeds and volumes to acceptable levels. The City conducts thorough technical reviews to confirm existing on-site conditions, as well as, a resident input to ensure improvements meet technical warrants and neighbourhood support. The outcome of a review could recommend a range of solutions: enforcement, speed display boards, signs, pavement markings, or other physical measures. The primary goal is to create safe communities and increase the livability of neighbourhoods for residents.

If you have any concerns regarding traffic calming, please contact:

City of Nanaimo, Engineering Department
Phone:  250-754-4251 Ext. 4230
Email:  engineeringinfo@nanaimo.ca