REP01777

• Permit No: M1979221
• IBM Index Class Name: Report
• Doc Name: APPENDIX 12 RECYCLING WOOD CHIPPING INFO
• Media Type: D
• Archive: No

Douglas County Public Works -Neighborhood TralTc Miligaaon & Calming
http://www.douglas.co.us/DC/PublicWorks/vaffic calming.htrn
DOUGLAS COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Public Works Department
POSITION STATEMENT
REGARDING
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MITIGATION
TRAFFIC CALMING
by
Duane Fellhauer
Director, Public Works
In 1997, Public Works hired Carter Burgess, Inc. to study traffic calming as it relates to the
specific suburban environment in Douglas County.
Backeround
"Traffic calming" has become a popular term among traffic engineers and within some
neighborhood groups. Public Works has remained cautious in recommending programs for
neighborhood traffic mitigation for several reasons:
• Not all projects aze successful.
• All citizens pay taxes to maintain public streets, therefore, all streets should be open and free
for travel.
• If special consideration is given for one neighborhood or street that can impact another
neighborhood or street, it creates an elite, privileged enclave at taxpayers expense, and
could leave some citizens worse off so others may benefit.
• Most of the complaints received involved the "emotional capacity" of street and are based
on perception of a problem rather than an actual problem.
• County streets are safe. The County construction standards specifically protect safety and
discourage intrusion in neighborhoods by street network design.
• All traffic laws rely on voluntary compliance of drivers to be effective. Violations of the
traffic laws are being committed by local residents failing to take personal responsibility for
an issue that they can control.
Proponents of traffic calming believe the County has a duty to protect the residential integrity of
neighborhoods, and that this is a simple issue of safety and quality of life.
Our decision to commission this study at this time was based on four issues:
1. Given the continued interest level expressed by the community, the BCC needs to
understand the merits and liabilities as we see them before taking a position with residents.
2. Could we determine if the County is providing the appropriate level of response regarding
neighborhood traffic concerns?
I of 6 9115100 8:20 AM