Speed Bumps or Roundabouts Near Schools - Philadelphia

Transportation Pennsylvania 3 Minutes Read · published February 05, 2026 Flag of Pennsylvania

In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, parents, school staff, and neighbors can request traffic calming measures—like speed bumps or roundabouts—near schools to improve safety. The city evaluates requests through an established Neighborhood Traffic Calming process that balances engineering study, community support, and maintenance considerations. This guide explains eligibility, the step-by-step request process, typical timelines, who enforces rules, and how to apply or appeal decisions.

Overview

Philadelphia's Streets Department administers traffic calming on local streets to reduce speeds and crash risk near sensitive sites such as schools. Requests begin with a petition or application and usually require documented neighborhood support, engineering assessment, and approval from Traffic Engineering. Physical installations follow engineering standards and city scheduling priorities. For program details and eligibility, consult the city program page Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program[1].

Traffic-calming installations are subject to engineering review and budget cycles.

Who Can Request & When

  • School officials, parent groups, resident associations, or individual residents may initiate a request.
  • Requests are appropriate where student pedestrian crossings, drop-off/pick-up congestion, or high measured speeds create safety concerns.
  • Emergency or immediate hazards should be reported to the Streets Department or 311 for rapid response.

Process

Typical steps include submitting a petition or request, a field review by Traffic Engineering, community outreach, an engineering study, and final approval for design and construction. Petition templates and forms are provided by the Streets Department; see the petition or application details Streets Department[2].

  • Submit petition or online request with signatures and location details.
  • Traffic Engineering conducts a traffic study and recommends countermeasures.
  • Approved installations enter the city work program for design and construction.
Early coordination with your school and neighbors speeds the petition process.

Applications & Forms

The Streets Department publishes petition templates and guidance for traffic calming; a neighborhood petition or application is typically required. If a specific downloadable form is needed, consult the Streets Department or program page for the current petition document program page[1].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of traffic laws (speeding, illegal maneuvers, parking violations around traffic calming features) is carried out by Philadelphia Parking Authority and the Philadelphia Police Department, while the Streets Department installs and maintains physical devices. The official program pages and department contacts provide procedures for complaints and inspections.

  • Fine amounts for traffic violations: not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized devices, enforcement actions by police, or civil remedies may apply; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page[2].
  • Enforcers and inspectors: Streets Department (installation/maintenance), Philadelphia Police Department and Philadelphia Parking Authority (traffic and parking enforcement). Contact the Streets Department for complaints and inspection requests Streets Department contacts[2].
  • Appeal and review routes: specific appeal timelines or administrative review procedures for traffic calming decisions are not specified on the cited program page; contact Traffic Engineering for local review options[1].

Common violations near school traffic-calming installations and typical outcomes:

  • Speeding in school zones — enforcement by police; fine amounts not specified on the cited pages[2].
  • Blocking crosswalks or bus zones — citations or towing per police/Parking Authority rules; specific penalties not specified on the cited pages[2].
  • Unauthorized alteration or placement of traffic devices — orders to remove and potential enforcement; specifics not specified on the cited pages[2].

FAQ

How long does the traffic calming request take?
Timelines vary by study complexity and funding; typical reviews can take several months to more than a year depending on scheduling and community outreach.
Who pays for installation and maintenance?
The Streets Department generally manages installation and maintenance; project funding and prioritization are determined by city budgets and program criteria.
Can a school force installation without neighborhood consent?
Installations require engineering approval and community considerations; unilateral installation without required approvals is not standard practice.

How-To

  1. Document the problem location, times of concern, and any crash history.
  2. Gather neighborhood support using the Streets Department petition template or guidance.
  3. Submit the petition or request to the Streets Department/Traffic Engineering for review.
  4. Participate in any community outreach or site study arranged by Traffic Engineering.
  5. If approved, coordinate with the Streets Department on design, scheduling, and installation.
  6. If denied, request written reasons and inquire about appeal or resubmission procedures.

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the Streets Department traffic calming petition and clear neighborhood support.
  • Expect an engineering study, outreach, and scheduling that can take months.
  • Enforcement of violations remains the role of police and the Parking Authority; installation is the Streets Department's responsibility.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program - City of Philadelphia
  2. [2] Streets Department - City of Philadelphia
  3. [3] Streets Department contacts and guidance - City of Philadelphia

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data