What warrants for Speed Bumps?

Case Study: Speed Bumps and Safety Signage at Woodland Park

Background
Woodland Park is a well-established residential community, home to a mix of permanent residents and seasonal visitors. Like many residential parks, the layout includes shared roads where vehicles, pedestrians, and pets coexist in close proximity. The park prides itself on being a safe and welcoming environment, but recent concerns over vehicle speeds raised pressing safety issues.

The Challenge
Despite existing requests for drivers to slow down, speeding had become a recurring problem within Woodland Park. Vans and delivery vehicles in particular often exceeded the recommended low-speed limits. This not only posed a danger to residents, many of whom are elderly, but also created unnecessary stress for families and pet owners.

The seriousness of the issue was brought into focus after a resident’s cat was tragically run over by a speeding van inside the park. This incident was a turning point, highlighting the urgent need for physical traffic calming measures rather than relying solely on signage or goodwill.

Park management recognised that without intervention, the risks of further accidents—whether involving pets, residents, or visiting children—would remain high. They sought a practical and reliable solution that could reduce vehicle speeds and reinforce driver awareness across the park’s busiest areas.

Our Solution
After conducting a site assessment, our team recommended installing two strategically placed speed bumps along the main internal roadways where traffic flow and speeding were most common. To complement this, we installed clear safety signage reminding drivers of the speed restrictions and highlighting the presence of pedestrians and pets.

The decision to use a dual approach—physical deterrence through speed bumps and visual reinforcement through signage—ensures maximum effectiveness. Drivers cannot ignore the physical slowdown required by the bumps, while the signage provides an ongoing reminder of the park’s commitment to safety.

Implementation
The project was carried out with minimal disruption to residents. Speed bumps were installed at two key locations:

1. Near the entrance and reception area, where vehicles typically accelerate after entering the park.
2. Along the central roadway that passes close to residential homes, where pedestrians and pets are frequently present.

Signage was positioned both before and after each speed bump to ensure drivers have adequate warning and to encourage consistent compliance throughout the park.

Results & Benefits
Since installation, Woodland Park has reported a significant reduction in speeding incidents. Residents have expressed greater peace of mind knowing that drivers are forced to slow down at critical points. The physical presence of speed bumps has been particularly effective in reducing delivery vehicle speeds, while signage has reinforced the message that Woodland Park prioritises community safety.

Key benefits include:

• Improved resident safety: Reduced risk of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, and pets.
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• Community reassurance: Residents feel more confident walking within the park, especially elderly residents and families with children.
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• Prevention of further incidents: The tragedy involving the cat has not been repeated, with drivers now far more cautious.
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• Enhanced park reputation: Proactive safety measures demonstrate Woodland Park’s commitment to maintaining a secure and responsible environment.
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Conclusion
The installation of speed bumps and signage at Woodland Park illustrates how relatively simple measures can make a profound impact on safety. Triggered by a preventable incident, these improvements not only address immediate concerns but also safeguard the long-term wellbeing of the community. Woodland Park now stands as a stronger, safer environment where residents, visitors, and pets can enjoy peace of mind.