Akron Bylaw Guide: Request Speed Bumps & School Zone Signs
In Akron, Ohio, residents and school officials can request traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and school zone signage through the city's traffic operations and public safety processes. This guide explains who manages requests, what information is typically required, how enforcement and appeals work, and the practical steps to submit a petition or complaint in Akron, Ohio.
How requests are handled
Requests for speed bumps, speed cushions, or school zone signs are evaluated by the City of Akron Traffic Operations and the Department of Public Service in coordination with Akron Police for safety and legal compliance. The city performs traffic studies and looks at factors such as measured speeds, collisions, pedestrian activity, and proximity to schools before recommending devices or signing changes. For official submission and study details see the city traffic operations pageTraffic Operations[1] and the Akron Police Department pages for enforcement coordinationAkron Police[2].
When the city will consider speed bumps or school zone signs
- Common triggers: documented speeding, crash history near schools, or official school requests.
- Engineering study elements: speed counts, 85th-percentile speed, collision analysis, and pedestrian counts.
- School zone signing often requires verification from the school or school district of hours and crossing locations.
Typical evaluation process
- Initial intake and site visit by Traffic Operations.
- Traffic data collection (speed and volume counts) and collision review.
- Engineering recommendation: signs, markings, speed cushions, or enforcement only.
- Approval routing: Department of Public Service, possibly City Council for permanent infrastructure changes.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of posted speed limits, including school zone limits, is performed by the Akron Police Department. Traffic control device statutes and local ordinances determine ticketing procedures and penalties. Specific monetary fines and escalation schedules for violations of speed limits or tampering with traffic signs are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with the police or municipal code.[2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized devices, court appearances, and civil remedies may apply; specific provisions are not specified on the cited page.
- Enforcer: Akron Police Department, with technical decisions by City of Akron Traffic Operations and the Department of Public Service.[2]
- Appeals/review: procedures for contesting tickets or administrative decisions are handled through municipal court or the department identified on the citation; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The City of Akron traffic operations page describes study and request procedures but does not publish a specific, named "speed bump request" form on the cited page; contact Traffic Operations for the current submission method and any petition templates.[1]
Action steps to request traffic calming or school zone signs
- Document the concern: location, times, photos, and any school-related schedules.
- Contact Traffic Operations to request a study and learn required supporting materials.[1]
- Provide petition or school authorization if requested by the city.
- Follow up with Akron Police for enforcement options after signage is installed.
FAQ
- Who can request a speed bump or school zone sign?
- Residents, property owners, or school officials may request a study or signage; the city assesses eligibility and safety criteria.
- How long does the study and installation take?
- Timelines vary by workload and complexity; the city does not publish a standard timeline on the cited page.
- Will the city install speed bumps automatically if enough residents ask?
- No, installation depends on engineering criteria and approvals rather than petition counts alone.
How-To
- Collect evidence: note speeds, times, photos, and school schedules.
- Contact Traffic Operations to submit the request and ask about required documents.[1]
- Allow the city to perform traffic counts and an engineering study.
- If approved, coordinate installation and follow up with Akron Police for enforcement details.[2]
Key Takeaways
- Traffic Operations evaluates all requests using engineering data.
- Akron Police enforces posted limits and coordinates on-site safety.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Akron Traffic Operations
- City of Akron Department of Public Service
- Akron Codified Ordinances (Municode)