Policy aims to address neighborhood traffic
Howell officials trying to respond to concerns
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

Traffic is a problem in some Howell neighborhoods and municipal officials are preparing to do something about it.

A Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy has been presented to members of the Township Council for their consideration.

Township Manager Thomas Czerniecki said, "The town's population and the region's population has grown." That increase in the number of residents has "created more traffic issues in some neighborhoods," he said.

According to the document, "This policy outlines the procedure for action the township could take to protect neighborhood roads from traffic diverted from congested arterials."

The policy includes traffic-calming measures such as education, enforcement or road design features to "reduce neighborhood cut-through traffic, reduce traffic speeds through neighborhoods, and accentuate multiple transportation options (pedestrian or bicycle use)."

According to Czerniecki, the policy will be used as a "guide to gauge public opinion. It will help to determine whether the problem is real or perceived, and it is a way to prioritize for budget purposes. It provides options that our staff can recommend to address problems if they are objectively quantified."

The Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy states, "Traffic management techniques are the most effective if they are both warranted and properly designed."

The report points out disadvantages that may occur with traffic management strategies. According to the report, "Certain traffic-calming devices could have the potential of shifting an existing traffic problem to another street or neighborhood. Traffic calming may also increase delay for emergency response vehicles, increase noise and can increase long-term maintenance costs for the township."

Traffic-calming measures will only be implemented with the majority consent of residents. These measures will be conducted and enforced by the Howell Police Department.

According to the report, there are several traffic management options that may be used to replace or supplement existing speed limit signs. These include pavement striping which "can create the perception of narrowing of the road," pavement markings "where the speed limit is painted on the street," and portable radar units which is "radar used to provide motorists with an instant message displayed on a reader board of how fast they are driving."

In addition to the Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy, the township will endorse the "Keep Kids Alive, Drive 25" campaign. According to the report, this campaign will "work to address the problem at the grassroots level by inviting residents to take responsibility for their own driving behavior."

The components of this campaign include a speed study to gather data on driving behavior on neighborhood streets; an integration of education information in newsletters and all media; and post-studies to target residents' sense of safety on neighborhood streets.