Traffic Calming

The Traffic Safety Committee considers traffic calming applications.  Residents may to request modifications or mitigation to the potential negative impacts associated with the use of City public streets. Traffic calming is utilized to create an environment in Palos Verdes Estates that is safe for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Measures are employed to address neighborhood traffic issues, traffic safety and neighborhood livability through a community-based engagement.

Traffic calming measures are roadway design features that reduce the effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for all users of the street. Traffic calming techniques may include, but are not limited to:

• Striping modifications
• Varying roadway surface treatments
• Narrowing of roadway width
• Roundabouts
• Centerline islands
• Painted edge lines

Most traffic calming measures focus on engineering measures that modify driver behavior or compel drivers to slow their speed of travel. Traffic calming enhances the neighborhood environment, providing residents a greater sense of safety and comfort on and around City streets.

Residents interested in pursuing traffic calming measures must formally apply to the Traffic Safety Committee by submitting a completed Traffic Calming application. The following is a description of the process for the Traffic Safety Committee’s consideration of traffic calming measures:

Step 1: Identification
Applicants include interested citizens/residents, neighborhood groups/associations or business owners who feel there is a traffic problem in their neighborhood or on their street. An applicant must submit his or her concerns in writing to the City Engineer, and City staff will respond to the applicant with feedback and/or request further information.

Step 2: Obtain Support
Depending on the type of request, the applicant will need to establish a neighborhood traffic committee to gather the opinions and ideas of affected residents and/or business owners, discuss traffic calming options, and the advantages and disadvantages of those options.

Step 3: Application
The applicant must submit a completed application to City staff.

Step 4: Analysis
City staff review the application submitted, verifying that the application is complete and accurate. Note: Applicants may make revisions to applications as needed. City staff will work with applicants to perform an analysis of the area.

Step 5: Review
When all necessary analyses are complete, City staff will prepare a report with recommendations, and present all materials to the Traffic Safety Committee for review. The Traffic Safety Committee will conduct a public hearing, and thereafter make findings and a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will then make its decision on the application and the Traffic Safety Committee’s recommendation.

Step 6: Implementation:
City staff implements the decision of the City Council.

Step 7: Monitoring:
Six months after implementation, the Traffic Safety Committee reviews the effectiveness of the traffic calming technique(s) utilized and determines whether further analysis or modifications are required. If it is determined that further study or modifications are required, steps 4-7 are repeated.

• Traffic Calming Application [PDF] 

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