What is the Safe Streets Program?
The Safe Streets Program (SSP) is a collaborative process established to address residential concerns involving neighborhood traffic issues.
Why is this program needed?
Traffic problems in neighborhoods need careful study. The program was adopted in an effort to aid homeowners in resolving traffic problems such as speeding and cut through traffic in residential areas. City Traffic Engineers and transportation professionals are often asked to install inappropriate traffic control devices such as stop signs, in an attempt to control problems such as speeding. These devices are not intended to be used this way and, while they might appear to work, actually do little to slow down a motorist and often increase speeds. This program fosters other types of solutions through use of speed humps, traffic islands, and other innovative traffic management devices.
How does this program work?
This SSP is designed to encourage resident involvement. If a neighborhood is experiencing the type of problem that might be corrected by the SSP, staff will conduct studies to determine the extent of the problem. Residents provide input in the testing of devices and in the development of traffic calming plans. Residents also approve, via mail in ballots, all traffic calming devices before they are installed.
What will happen?
The first phase of the program identifies the problem. After a resident reports the problem, City Transportation Engineering staff will collect vehicle speed and traffic volume data.
Staff reviews the collected data to determine if the street qualifies for participation in the SSP. If a problem is identified, City Transportation Engineering staff first works with the Police Department to conduct heavy traffic enforcement for a 60-day period to see if this resolves the problem. If the problem persists after the enforcement period, city staff will present appropriate solutions to mitigate the problem in a temporary traffic management plan. The temporary traffic management plan is designed to allow residents to test various devices before making a decision on a permanent solution. If the solution involves installation of speed humps, traffic islands, or other traffic management device; and if residents approve of the solution, staff will place the item on the agenda for consideration by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) at their next scheduled meeting.
Staff recommendations are presented for review by the TAC. TAC is a body appointed by the City Council to consider various traffic related issues. Citizens are encouraged to participate in public hearings to provide opinions and input.
The Transportation Engineering Division only considers using traffic control devices, with the exception of signs and permanent marking, after the affected residents approve of the traffic management plan via successful survey. The criteria for a successful survey is that at least fifty percent (50%) of the survey cards mailed to the notice area must be returned; and of those returned, at least fifty-five percent (55%) must approve of the plan.
After completion of a successful survey, City Transportation Engineering staff will schedule the installation of the recommended traffic control device(s).
Where do we go from here?
The SSP relies heavily on neighborhood support and citizen involvement to identify and resolve traffic safety problems in neighborhoods. If you want to learn more about the SSP process, please call the Transportation Engineering Division at (972) 941-7151.
The SSP was adopted by the Plano City Council in 2000 and revised in 2001. It replaced the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP). The SSP was developed by City staff with significant input from the TAC, the Plano Homeowners Council, and interested citizens.
Safe Streets Program Procedure Safe Streets Program Project Locations
Safe Streets Program Booklet