FAQs • Boca Raton, FL • CivicEngage

What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to speed humps?: Speed humps are the most direct way to address driver behavior and encourage slower speeds. They are also one of the least expensive traffic calming features, are easy to construct, require minimal design work, and can be implemented in a short time frame. However, speed humps do increase emergency response time by causing an average delay of 7 seconds per feature. In addition, while overall noise levels on the street may decrease due to lower vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, some noise may increase at the actual speed hump location, such as from trucks with loose equipment.

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Traffic Calming

1. What is traffic calming?: Traffic calming is the combination of physical features constructed in the roadway that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use by altering driver behavior and improving conditions for non-motorized street users. In the City of Boca Raton, a formal Traffic Calming Policy was adopted on February 27, 2001 that establishes guidelines for a neighborhood wishing to participate in the City's Traffic Calming Program. An "Enhanced Speed Hump" traffic calming feature is available for funding by the city through the Program. Call (561) 416-3374 for more information or for a copy of the Policy.

2. Can we put up signs to tell traffic to slow down?: The City of Boca Raton has found that passive devices such as signs are not effective. Most drivers do not respond. Installing active traffic calming measures such as speed humps to physically slow traffic work best.

3. Are stop signs an option for traffic calming treatments?: No. Stop signs are traffic control devices, not traffic calming measures. Stop signs are installed to clarify who has the right-of-way at intersections. They are not an effective method for calming traffic or slowing speeds. When installed where unwarranted, they breed disrespect from drivers and actually may cause crashes by providing a false sense of security to pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists.

4. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages to speed humps?: Speed humps are the most direct way to address driver behavior and encourage slower speeds. They are also one of the least expensive traffic calming features, are easy to construct, require minimal design work, and can be implemented in a short time frame. However, speed humps do increase emergency response time by causing an average delay of 7 seconds per feature. In addition, while overall noise levels on the street may decrease due to lower vehicle speeds and traffic volumes, some noise may increase at the actual speed hump location, such as from trucks with loose equipment.

5. What are some alternatives to speed humps?: Although speed humps are the only feature available for funding through the City's Traffic Calming Program, other traffic calming features such as mid-block islands, mini-traffic circles, entrance treatments, or roadway narrowings may be implemented if a Homeowners Association or group of property owners wish to pay for them. An engineering permit from the City and approval for the features through the City's Traffic Calming Program are still required.

6. Can we just close the road?: No. According to the City Code, only the City Council has the authority to close a road. Road closings or diversions should only be considered as a last resort. Closures require traffic to divert to other routes and can increase trip lengths. Physically closing a road may impede emergency service access to neighborhoods and cause concerns for sanitation pick-up and other services.

7. Can we get more police cars to patrol our neighborhood?: Yes. The Police Services Department has a Hotline to report traffic problems or request additional enforcement. In addition, if traffic calming is requested to be implemented in a community, a request for additional law enforcement may help the neighborhood transition smoothly as an interim measure.

8. How much will all of this cost?: Speed humps are the quickest and least expensive traffic calming features to install. The "enhanced speed hump" features cost approximately $13,000 each and are funded by the City. Costs include the installation the speed hump, landscaping, and adjustments to any irrigation systems. However, regular maintenance and irrigation of the landscaping will be the responsibility of the adjacent property owners. Other traffic calming features will cost more depending on the cost of design and construction and must be funded by other sources, such as a Homeowners Association or group of property owners. The City has a limited annual budget for the Traffic Calming Program which is subject to final approval by the City Council.