‘ Setting objectives for LATM allows a scheme to be assessed, implemented and measured against the desired outcomes.’ Part 2 - Traffic Management | Objectives and Setting Criteria
2.0 Objectives and Setting Criteria Recommendation • Compile and consolidate all previous LATM studies and traffic investigations into a single database as a resource document for future traffic investigations. • Establish a priority rating system for determining where LATMs should be undertaken. 2.3 How to address traffic issues raised Many <strong>of</strong> the continuing complaints and resident concerns relate to single-street issues. Experience in the <strong>City</strong> have shown that despite the implementation <strong>of</strong> a LATM plan, such concerns would continue to occur. To assist in addressing the single-street issue, a “template” has been prepared in Section 5.0 to provide a step-bystep methodology in investigating and responding to these concerns. 2.4 Setting a criteria to help address traffic issues Traffic Management is not an exact science. In assessing traffic issues, consideration is normally given to traffic conditions (traffic volumes, speeds, commercial vehicles and crash statistics), resident concerns and external impacts. What is an acceptable speed The 85th percentile speed is the commonly used criteria in road design and in assessing speeding problems. It is the speed in which 85% <strong>of</strong> all traffic in that street is would travel at or below. Since the introduction <strong>of</strong> the 50 kph statewide speed limit in March 2003, it would appear that 85th percentile speeds have decreased in local streets. Information from other councils also indicates that such a reduction had occurred in many areas in metropolitan Adelaide. Isolated incidence <strong>of</strong> speeding is commonly cited by residents to be <strong>of</strong> concern. Such speeding commonly occurs outside <strong>of</strong> peak hours, particularly in early morning and late night periods. Finding measures to address such site specific and infrequent occurring incidences are very difficult and police enforcement is usually an appropriate way <strong>of</strong> addressing the issue. The setting <strong>of</strong> one “speed criteria” to be applied over the whole council area (for established streets) is difficult and is not recommended. In practice, 85th percentile speeds <strong>of</strong> up to 55 kph would be considered as being “reasonable”. Where speeds are significantly greater than this, it would trigger a process to identify measures to address the speed issue. In many instances, police enforcement would be the commonly adopted course <strong>of</strong> action. In other instances, use <strong>of</strong> signs or line marking to influence driver behaviour would be used, for example reducing the perception <strong>of</strong> a wide street by line marking to reduce speeds. If additional and more aggressive measures are warranted, then traffic control devices would be considered, such as road humps, roundabouts or slow points. What is an acceptable traffic volume PART 1 Section 10 <strong>of</strong> this report recommends a road hierarchy for the <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>West</strong> <strong>Torrens</strong>. Based on road hierarchy, the following range <strong>of</strong> daily traffic volumes are normally adopted based on road classification. Local street Minor collector Major collector up to 2,000 vpd up to 3,000 vpd 3,000-6,000 vpd The above levels should not be considered as rigid standards. For example, major collector roads such as Beckman Street, Ashwin Parade, Morphett Road and Mooringe Avenue carry over 10,000 vehicles per day. Under the classical road hierarchy system for the Council’s road network, they would be classed as major collector roads. If they are DTEI roads, they would probably be classified as sub-arterial roads. However, as a guide, the criteria below provide a checklist for assessing traffic issues. ‘ Speeding commonly occurs outside <strong>of</strong> peak hours, particularly in early morning and late night periods.’ Part 2 - Traffic Management | Objectives and Setting Criteria 81
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