Traffic management, signs and safety

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming is not simply about reducing traffic speeds but is used to help reduce the number of road casualties on our roads. The methods used include; road humps / cushions, mini roundabouts, traffic islands and speed cameras. We aim to target routes with the worst road safety records.

Speed Limits

Speed limits play a vital role in controlling safe traffic speeds. The majority of roads with street lights automatically have a speed limit of 30mph but don't always have road signs.  On other roads the speed limit is shown on road signs.

20mph Speed Limits

These can be used in areas where a lower speed limit would be more appropriate and where it can be self-enforcing through existing traffic calming measures.

The Police are responsible for enforcing speed limits.

Pedestrian Crossings

Puffin (Pelican), Zebra and Island crossings are used to help  pedestrians cross busier roads. Too many crossings can disrupt traffic flow, so a combination of high pedestrian and vehicle numbers helps identify those locations most suitable for crossings.

Traffic signs and road markings

Warning signs

Warning signs help drivers identify the less obvious road hazards such as side roads, bends and animal movements.

Direction signs

Direction signs are used to help control flows but cannot be used to pin point individual businesses.

Keep clear lines

Keep clear lines are used to help identify and protect private accesses and driveways - they can only extend across the full width of the access and cannot be used on the opposite side of the road.

Disabled person's parking bays

Disabled person's parking bays are used to provide assistance to disabled drivers who are reliant upon the public highway for their own parking needs - these are advisory markings that seek the assistance of other drivers but cannot be legally enforced.

Junction markings

Junction markings are mainly used to where a minor road junctions with major routes - we try to not use them within residential estates as this can lead to increased traffic speeds.

Centre lines

Centre lines can help provide guidance for movement along the highway as well as identify various hazards and where overtaking is dangerous or illegal.

Report it

Ways to report traffic related problems

Contact Us

Highways and Engineering PO Box 700 Wakefield One Burton Street Wakefield WF1 2EB

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