The purpose of this article is to establish criteria and guidelines for the installation of traffic calming measures on City-owned roadways. Such measures are specifically designed to reduce the speed, but not necessarily the volume, of motor vehicle traffic in residential areas, nor is their purpose to move traffic to adjoining roadways. Traffic calming measures shall also consist of enforcement and education activities by the Chester Police Department.
[Added 10-22-2025 by Ord. No. 4-2025]
As used in this article, the following term shall have the meaning indicated:
Synonymous with "traffic calming measure". A speed hump is a raised hump in the pavement extending across the width of the roadway at a right angle to the direction of the now of traffic. A "speed table" is considered an equal alternative to speed hump where deemed appropriate per the City Engineer.
The purpose of the speed study is to determine the basic measure of traffic performance and is used to measure speeds at locations under the traffic and environmental conditions prevailing at the time of the study.
A.
Applicants may request that a study be conducted to construct speed humps in a particular neighborhood. Requests shall be submitted in writing, along with a petition described below, to the City Council for consideration.
B.
Petition.
(1)
All households on the affected street must be contacted by the applicants and advised that speed humps are being considered for their street.
(2)
A signed petition must be submitted reflecting the support of at least 50% of the households (determined by street address) on the affected street, i.e., the signature of one adult member of the household is necessary.
(3)
Support is also required from 50% of households located on streets or culs-de-sac whose only access is via the affected street, i.e., the signature of one adult member of the household is necessary.
The following general criteria have been established as a means to limit the use of speed humps to areas where they will be most effective and practical; these criteria are subject to modification as recommended by the City Engineer:
A.
Speed humps will not be installed on state roadways or any roadway classified higher than "local" within the City of Chester Comprehensive Plan, as amended.
B.
The legally posted speed limit on the street should not exceed 25 miles per hour.
C.
The minimum length of the street, or portion thereof, measured from the nearest intersecting street, should be at least 1, 000 feet.
D.
The average vehicle speed ( based upon the 85th percentile of the speeds recorded during the traffic count) should not be less than five miles per hour over the legally posted speed limit, which should be determined by a speed study.
E.
The distance between speed humps should not be less than 250 feet.
F.
Speed humps should not be installed on hills or curves that could affect he safe control of vehicles.
G.
Speed humps should be no less than 12 feet in width.
H.
Signs indicating "HUMP" should be installed in each direction at the location of the hump and a sufficient distance before the hump to warn approaching motorists. For increased visibility, reflective stripes should be painted on the humps.
I.
Pennsylvania's Chapter 18, Traffic Calming Contextual Roadway Design, Design Manual Part 2 Pub. 13, as revised, may be utilized by the City Engineer in forming a recommendation to the City Council regarding any traffic calming measure.
Prior to City Council consideration, the City Engineer shall review the application and the criteria set herein and provide a formal written recommendation to City Council as to whether a speed hump is warranted at the location.