New Orleans School Traffic Calming Ordinances
In New Orleans, Louisiana, local traffic rules and city programs guide traffic calming near schools to protect students and pedestrians. This guide explains common measures — speed cushions, signage, crosswalks, reduced speed limits, and crossing guards — how they are requested and reviewed, and which city offices enforce standards and handle complaints. Use this article to identify action steps for parents, schools, and neighborhood associations seeking safer routes to school, and where to find official rules and contacts.
Common Traffic Calming Measures Near Schools
Municipal and engineering responses typically include physical and regulatory measures. Agencies consider context, traffic counts, and safety data before approving changes.
- Speed cushions and humps to lower vehicle speeds near school entrances.
- School zone signage and posted reduced speed limits during arrival and dismissal.
- High-visibility crosswalks and curb extensions to shorten crossing distances.
- Temporary measures such as portable signs or cones for special events or construction.
- Crossing guards and posted pedestrian schedules coordinated with schools.
How Measures Are Requested and Evaluated
Requests usually originate from school administrators, parents, or neighborhood groups. The city's traffic engineering or public works division reviews collision history, traffic volume, and pedestrian counts, then recommends treatments or studies. For New Orleans, the Department of Public Works or its traffic/transportation unit is the primary point of contact for requests and technical evaluation[1].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of school-zone speed limits and parking regulations involves multiple agencies. The New Orleans Police Department enforces moving violations and school-zone speed limits, while the city’s public works or traffic engineering group manages signage and physical installations. Applicable ordinance text and code provisions governing traffic controls and penalties are published by the city code[2].
- Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: whether first, repeat, or continuing offences carry increasing penalties is not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply, removal of unauthorized signs, or court action are possible; specific non-monetary remedies are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: New Orleans Police Department for moving violations; Department of Public Works for traffic-control devices and installations.
- Inspection and complaint pathways: request traffic studies or report hazards to the city traffic/transportation division or public-works customer service[1].
- Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits for administrative decisions are not specified on the cited page.
- Common violations: speeding in school zones, illegal stopping in crosswalks, and unauthorized signs; typical penalties are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The city publishes guidance and may require formal requests or petitions for traffic studies and installations; specific form names, numbers, fees, or submission portals are not specified on the cited public pages[2].
Action Steps for Neighborhoods and Schools
- Collect data: document dates/times of unsafe conditions and record photo or video evidence.
- Submit a written request or petition to the city traffic/transportation office with supporting data.
- Coordinate with the school administration for approved drop-off/pick-up plans and crossing guard schedules.
- Follow up on engineering studies and attend public meetings where proposals are reviewed.
FAQ
- How do I request a traffic calming study near a school?
- Contact the Department of Public Works or the city traffic/transportation division to submit a request; include location, times, and supporting data. See official contact pages for submission details.[1]
- Will the city install speed cushions immediately?
- Installation follows an engineering review and may require community input, funding, or pilot testing; timelines are set during the review and are not specified on the cited pages.
- Who enforces school-zone speed limits?
- The New Orleans Police Department enforces moving violations and speed limits in school zones; traffic-control devices are managed by the city’s public works or traffic engineering unit.
How-To
- Document safety concerns with dates, times, and photos at the problem location.
- Gather neighborhood support or a school endorsement to strengthen the request.
- Submit a formal request to the city traffic/transportation division and request a traffic study.[1]
- Attend public meetings or workshops to review proposed measures and implementation timelines.
- If applicable, follow instructions for funding or cost-sharing for physical installations.
Key Takeaways
- Start with data and organized community requests for faster evaluation.
- Enforcement involves NOPD for moving violations and city public works for devices.
- Official code and program pages list procedures; specific fines or forms may be "not specified on the cited page."
Help and Support / Resources
- City of New Orleans - Department of Public Works
- New Orleans Code of Ordinances (Municode)
- New Orleans Police Department