Traffic Calming has become a common phenomenon in the Greater Vancouver Region. Many jurisdictions have adopted traffic calming programs and policies in response to resident requests for speed control and to reduce traffic rat-running. The City of Port Moody is no exception. However, the city has some geographical challenges as many residential communities are located on steep hills. Traditional traffic calming devices such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, intersection table, etc. are inappropriate on steep terrain according to the Transportation Association of Canada Guidelines for Neighbourhood Traffic Calming. Hillside terrains also pose unique challenges such as limited emergency response, transit and garbage collection routes, snow removal needs, a tendency for speeding on slopes, low cycling and walking usage and high reliance on the automobile. The city adopted a neighbourhood traffic calming policy in 2001. The policy has been well used ever since. With only a small traffic calming budget, resources are strategically allocated to initiatives with strong local support. Traffic complaints are screened and vetted through a Traffic Safety Committee with citizen representatives before traffic calming initiatives are moved forwarded. Engineering staff employ a toolbox of hybrid traffic calming devices and development control. They work closely with developers to incorporate traffic calming into new developments, and Insurance Corporation of BC, police and local school district on road safety initiatives. With five years of experience, the city has gained a strong understanding of traffic calming intricacies in hillside environment and how to optimize limited resources. This paper will examine the Port Moody traffic calming experience and share the lessons learned.
