Title
Traffic Calming (B)
Explanation
As a response to neighborhood complaints about traffic speeds, the City of Gainesville developed a traffic calming program in the mid 1980's. In 1997, the City began to include installation of speed humps and speed tables in the traffic calming program. The City Commission took action in June 2004 to suspend the installation of vertical traffic calming devices in response to concerns expressed by Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR) regarding 1) potential increases in emergency response times, 2) potential weakening or damage to apparatus and equipment, and 3) increased injury risk for responders. At the time, GFR was concerned that if the City of Gainesville continued to implement vertical devices that potentially impact emergency response travel speeds, the cumulative effect of those devices may contribute to the need to develop additional fire-rescue stations to facilitate the City of Gainesville's ability to meet national travel standards for fire and medical emergencies.
At the time the installation of vertical devices was suspended, Public Works had 81 outstanding requests for speed humps on file. Staff has continued to receive requests for traffic calming on a regular and continuing basis.
Fiscal Note
There is currently no funding allocated in the Public Works Department's operating or capital budget for the traffic calming program.
Recommendation
The Recreation, Cultural Affairs, Public Works Committee hear a presentation regarding traffic calming.