Comments on: StreetFilm: Traffic Calming Done Right in Melbourne

By: Pete

Pete — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:36:16 +0000

Since the streets carry less traffic there is less congestion generally to slow the ambulance down. Anyway this sort of treatment is usually only in problem areas and high pedestrian use areas. Elsewhere the emergency vehicles can get through, and a lot of special access strategies are used for them. Ambulances and fire trucks on lights and sirens will go the wrong way around roundabouts to get through faster.

By: Sam

Sam — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:33:50 +0000

"Probably since their streets are a lot calmer, they have a lot less need for ambulances."

Ya it's a real funny joke until someone in your family dies waiting for help because a bunch of liberal treehugging do-gooders think that roads are for walking and rollerblading instead of driving.

By: Clarence Eckerson Jr.

Clarence Eckerson Jr. — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 05:59:55 +0000

Adrian,

Maybe not new but there are an awful lot of tc devices in that small stretch, some I didn't even get to show. And come on I mean bollards smack dab in the middle of the street. 3 or 4 of them in a row? Now that you don't see everyday.

By: Andy B from Jersey

Andy B from Jersey — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:49:50 +0000

Oh yeah! But much of these traffic calming devices seem to work rather well out in the western US for some reason.

By: Andy B from Jersey

Andy B from Jersey — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:48:53 +0000

I want Clarence's job!

And JJay. Go to London and Berlin and you'll see much of the same.

It doesn't "work" here because people refuse to even allow the government to try (see the Prince St entries).

By: Adrian

Adrian — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:58:09 +0000

Nothing really new there, they have had that sort of stuff in European cities for years. The British invented the "sleeping policeman ", raised platforms, narrowed streets and pedestrian safety areas.

By: JJay

JJay — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:25:51 +0000

this only works in 3rd tier cities where populations are STILL relatively low...try this in jones beach in NY and you will see MAYHEM on the streets

By: epc

epc — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:34:14 +0000

I was there in August '07 and only recall the speed bumps (they're more like raised rumble strips) in the central CBD, not in the outlying areas like St. Kilda.

The tram system there is great. I don't know if it's intended or not, but cyclists use the dedicated tram lanes as bike lanes.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:49:33 +0000

Probably since their streets are a lot calmer, they have a lot less need for ambulances.

By: tom s.

tom s. — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:21:17 +0000

How do ambulance drivers and other emergency vehicle drivers cope with this kind of traffic calming? I've heard complaints from ambulance staff about some forms (speed bumps in particular) and wondered how Melbourne has that worked out.