In response to residents’ complaints of excessive speed and cut-through traffic in neighborhoods, South Whitehall staff developed a draft policy and procedures for officials and concerned residents to work together for a safer community.

At a recent commissioners’ meeting, George Kinney, director of community development, offered a presentation on the proposed traffic calming policy.

The idea for the document came from PennDOT when the township asked for technical assistance to decrease speeding along Dylan Drive.

Kinney explained traffic calming is a combination of physical measures designed to reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for nonmotorized uses of public streets.

He said the purpose of traffic calming is to reduce the speed and/or volume of traffic on local streets while continuing to promote connected neighborhoods and improve their overall residential character.

Kinney noted the traffic calming program provides a fair and balanced prioritization process, a participative procedure for development of traffic calming plans, public notice and public meetings, and a method to encourage involvement of residents in decisions affecting the quality of life in their neighborhood.

The policy includes various options for traffic calming, such as curb extensions, neighborhood gateways, parking along streets to reduce roadway width, traffic circles, 3- to 4-inch high speed humps, raised crosswalks and median islands, and semi or diagonal diverters.

The traffic calming procedure kicks in when people call to complain about speeding.

If requested by 10 percent or more of the property owners in the affected area, staff will schedule a public meeting to provide information on the program.

Eventually a neighborhood committee of four to six residents will be established to coordinate with township staff and to explain guidelines of the traffic calming plan to property owners.

“This is a completely voluntary program,” Kinney said.

Solicitor Joseph Zator commented on a traffic calming policy.

“If you require it, it takes a change in SALDO,” Zator said.

Board of Commissioners Vice President Glenn Block suggested taking a further look at the proposed policy, and the rest of the board concurred.