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Traffic calming places physical measures on a street to help drivers travel at the posted speed and reduce the severity of collisions. It is one of many ways the City is improving road safety.
The City’s Vision Zero Action Plan aims to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities on our roads. Traffic calming is just one of the 68 actions in this plan.
Traffic Calming Measures
The City’s Traffic Calming Policy includes 12 types of traffic calming measures designed to lower speeds and improve safety. These measures are designed to encourage steady speeds rather than sudden stopping and starting, and include:
- Vertical measures: raised crosswalks, raised intersections and speed tables
- Horizontal measures: median islands, chicanes, concrete medians with flexible bollards, curb extensions, lateral shifts, and roundabouts
- Obstructive measures: directional closures, modal filters and intersection channelization
Raised crossings are an example of a new traffic calming measure coming to Guelph.
Photo: NYC Street Design Manual
A speed table is a traffic calming measure that will be applied along Guelph’s Community Safety Zones.
Photo: Lisa Wolansky, Global News
Where Traffic Calming Will Be Installed
Over the next five years, the City will install traffic calming measures proactively in Community Safety Zones.
These zones include streets near schools, senior centres, hospitals and other places where the risk of serious injury is higher.
The map below shows streets that will receive traffic calming measures in the near term, as well as streets that may be eligible in the future.
For More Information
Traffic Services
[email protected]
519-822-1260 extension 3414
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request Traffic Calming on My Street?
Traffic calming is not installed by request. The City installs traffic calming proactively in Community Safety Zones first.
If you have a road safety concern, you can contact the City at [email protected]. All concerns are reviewed through the Vision Zero Action Plan. If traffic calming is not appropriate, other tools may be used.
If My Street Is Not a Community Safety Zone, What Safety Improvements Can Be Made?
The City is committed to achieving Vision Zero and will consider additional safety measures, such as speed radar boards or flexible posts, depending on the location and issue.
All road safety concerns received by the City will be reviewed once per year, starting in 2027.
How Does My Street Become a Community Safety Zone so It Can Be Eligible for Traffic Calming?
Community Safety Zones are designated according to the City’s Community Safety Zone Policy. City staff will review the road network and recommend that City Council alter, add or remove Community Safety Zones as needed.
Streets may only be designated if they are near locations where the risk of serious collisions is higher, including:
- elementary and secondary schools
- post-secondary institutions
- major health care facilities
- community facilities such as community centres, libraries, seniors’ centres, retirement homes and shelters
Why Not Make Every Street a Community Safety Zone?
Focusing on higher-risk areas allows the City to prioritize changes where they will have the greatest impact.
At the same time, the City takes a network-wide approach to road safety through Vision Zero. This includes 68 actions beyond traffic calming, such as new pedestrian crossings, protected cycling infrastructure and safer intersection design.
Together, these actions help improve safety across the entire city.