§ 78-101. Introduction.

Many local jurisdictions throughout the United States have been researching and developing measures to manage and control problems associated with traffic flow through their residential neighborhoods. The problems of excessive speeding, cut through traffic, and pedestrian safety are common to many of these jurisdiction.

The rapid rate of growth of the Metropolitan Atlanta Area Counties has resulted in a significant increase in the volume of traffic on area roadways. Motorists have sought alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion and length of delay experienced on these roadways. Some of these alternative routes are cut-thru routes through residential streets, which has resulted in a proliferation of traffic related problems in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, motorists tend to travel through residential areas, at speeds that greatly exceed the posted speed limit. Residents and neighborhood associations have voiced their concerns about these traffic problems. In light of this, the county board of commissioners has requested that the transportation division of the public works department develop a traffic calming program.

The mission of the traffic calming program is to improve and enhance the quality of life in residential neighborhoods, by reducing the negative impact of automobile traffic on neighborhood streets. The objective of the program is to develop and implement traffic calming initiatives which may provide corrective remedies to traffic problems associated with excessive speeding, cut-thru traffic, and vehicle and pedestrian safety. The transportation division will implement the program utilizing engineering, enforcement, education, and community participation. The traffic calming program although developed by the county, is meant to be a community driven program. The community will choose the type of traffic calming initiative that they deem suitable, based on the recommendations of county transportation division. The community may be required to pay for the cost of implementing, maintaining, and removing any device associated with the traffic calming initiatives. The funding mechanism will be determined by the board of commissioners. A complete description of various traffic calming devices, estimated costs, warrants and the county associated policies are included in this document.

(Ord. No. 98-1103, § 1.0, 9-2-98)