Traffic schemes

Traffic management schemes aim to solve problems with roads.

A scheme might be needed if:

• a road has a bad accident record
• residents have concerns about a road

We assess potential schemes by looking at how they will:

• reduce accidents and the impact of commuter parking
• promote cycling and improve public transport
• ensure equal mobility and accessibility for all groups, including people with disabilities, children and older people
• restrict traffic and safeguard the environment 
• improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and convenience

Consultations

We consult residents for their views before introducing any new traffic measures.

You can check our current road safety consultations.

Traffic management solutions 

Dealing with traffic problems doesn't have just one solution. We use different measures, and sometimes use more than one at the same time.

Speed humps

Speed humps: 

• are an effective way of controlling traffic speed 
• reduce the number and seriousness of accidents, especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists 
• discourage heavy vehicles and ‘through traffic’  
• promote cycling and walking
• promote a greater feeling of safety

Chicanes and throttles 

Chicanes and throttles aim to reduce traffic speed. They do this by reducing a short length of a road's width. 

Kerb build-outs 

At some road junctions visibility is often reduced because of: 

• the shape of the road
• parked cars

Building the kerb into the carriageway allows motorists and pedestrians to see and be seen better because: 

• motorists coming out of a side road can safely pull out further  
• pedestrians have more space to stand 

Width restrictions 

Posts or bollards are placed in the road about 2.1 metres apart. Vehicles wider than this cannot pass between them.  

One-way streets, banned turns and no entry 

These: 

• help control traffic movements without completely restricting access 
• can minimise commuter ‘rat-runs’ 

Road closures 

These are an effective, self-enforcing means of stopping all through traffic. Roads are usually closed by a barrier with emergency access for: 

• police 
• fire engines 
• ambulances 

Roundabouts

Standard roundabouts can improve junctions where lots of vehicles turn right.

Mini roundabouts: 

• reduce accidents by slowing traffic 
• make it easier for vehicles to turn right

Pedestrian crossings (zebra or signalled crossings) 

See our pedestrian crossings page for more information and to find out how to request a pedestrian crossing. 

Facilities for disabled people

The following are facilities for disabled people:

• tactile paving for people with impaired vision – installed at new zebra and pelican crossings, and many ramped crossing points 
• audible and green man signals at many single pelican crossings to indicate when it's safe to cross
• a tactile knob for visually impaired people on the pedestrian push-buttons at some two-stage pelican crossings and junction signals

Junction entry treatments 

A junction entry treatment is placed across the carriageway of a minor road at a road junction.  

The aim is to:

• show motorists that they are leaving a main road and entering a residential area  
• raise the priority for pedestrians crossing the junction

White carriageway markings 

Carriageway markings at junctions give an indication of priorities. As centre or lane lines, they indicate the best line for vehicles to follow.

Continuous white lines 

Continuous white centre line markings must not be crossed and are generally used to: 

• prevent overtaking  
• reduce speeds in roads with poor visibility due to bends or hills 

Road junctions 

Some junctions in residential areas may have no priority road markings.

Other junctions may have a: 

• give way line 
• give way line and triangle marking 
• give way line, triangle marking and give way sign 
• stop sign and marking 

Traffic signals and control 

Traffic signals optimise and control traffic at a junction. They do this by controlling the time pedestrians and traffic can go.

20mph zones 

Please see our speed limit page.