Orlando’s program for traffic calming is community-driven: it begins only after a group of at least ten concerned neighbors submits a petition for their street or neighborhood, citing specific safety concerns like speeding or dangerous cut-through traffic. Once the petition is in, city traffic engineers conduct a detailed study including traffic counts, speed measurements, accident history, and field observations to confirm the nature and extent of the problem.
Residents also designate a “primary contact”—often an HOA officer or active community member—who works as a liaison between the city and their neighborhood. This contact helps collect signatures, communicates with other homeowners, and participates in meetings with city staff.
The city first attempts “passive” solutions such as extra police patrols, speed radar trailers, pavement markings, and revised signage. If, after monitoring, traffic problems persist, the street advances to the formal Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Here, city planners and residents co-design custom solutions for the specific challenges of the area.
Traffic Calming: From Speed Bumps to Neighborhood Gateways
Orlando uses a broad toolkit tailored to each neighborhood’s needs. Some common and effective solutions include:
Speed Bumps and Humps: Physical devices installed to slow drivers. Properly designed humps (wider and gentler than bumps) are popular for their effectiveness and minimal disruption to emergency vehicles when compared to older, more abrupt devices.
Enhanced Signage: Upgraded speed limit and “children at play” signs, as well as painted crosswalks and curb extensions, alert drivers and encourage caution.
Raised Crosswalks and Chicanes: These road features keep vehicle speeds in check and make pedestrian crossings more visible and safer.
Neighborhood Gateways: Entrance features—like narrowings or distinctive pavement—signal drivers that they’re entering a residential area where slower speeds are expected.
Traffic Circles and Modern Roundabouts: Small, neighborhood-based circles discourage high speeds at intersections but preserve smooth traffic flow.
Enforcement and Quick-Build Projects: In the initial phase, increased patrols or temporary barriers can quickly address concerns while the city studies long-term fixes. Some interventions, such as temporary curb extensions or planters, offer immediate impacts.
Not every solution is right for every street—some roads, especially those serving as emergency response routes, may be ineligible for certain traffic calming devices due to the requirements of fire, ambulance, and garbage truck access. The plan is shared with local services and agencies before it moves forward.
The Step-By-Step Process: From Petition to Implementation
After the required study and neighborhood meetings, a traffic calming plan is presented to residents for feedback. Any changes requested by neighbors may be incorporated before finalizing the design. For the plan to proceed to construction, Orlando requires a robust show of community support: a petition signed by at least 65% of property owners within the designated “impact area.” This must be achieved and submitted within 180 days.
Once the city approves the plan, it draws up final construction documents, secures funding (normally from the city’s district-level neighborhood improvement fund), and coordinates with a contractor. Residents are notified regarding the construction timeline, and the work is scheduled.
City staff evaluate the traffic calming project’s success about six months later—using new speed or accident data, resident surveys, and field observations. If issues arise (for example, if traffic diverts onto nearby streets or if emergency response is affected), corrective action is taken, which can even include removal or redesign of the calming devices. Orange County has been especially active with these programs.
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