Traffic Calming Ordinances - New South Memphis, TN

Transportation Tennessee 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 08, 2026 Flag of Tennessee

New South Memphis, Tennessee faces common school-area traffic risks that local ordinances and city programs aim to reduce. This guide explains how traffic calming near schools is handled by city departments, how neighbors and schools can request measures, typical enforcement routes, and practical steps to pursue speed reduction, crosswalks, and signage in New South Memphis.

Overview of Traffic Calming Near Schools

Municipal traffic calming typically includes engineering measures (speed humps, curb extensions, raised crosswalks), signage and enforcement focused on school zones. Implementation in New South Memphis is managed through city Traffic Engineering and coordinated with Memphis Police Department traffic enforcement and local schools. For official program details and local contact information see the city Traffic Engineering page [1] and the City police contacts [2].

Traffic calming combines engineering, education and enforcement to reduce speeds around schools.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of school-zone speed limits and traffic rules in New South Memphis is handled primarily by the Memphis Police Department with support from City Traffic Engineering for physical measures and signage.

  • Fines: specific fine amounts for school-zone speeding are not specified on the cited city pages; see the municipal code or police citation schedules for exact figures [1].
  • Escalation: the cited City pages do not list an escalation schedule (first/repeat/continuing offences not specified on the cited page).
  • Non-monetary sanctions: enforcement can include warnings, traffic citations, and court appearance requirements; seizure or license actions would follow state procedures and are not detailed on the cited municipal pages.
  • Enforcer & complaints: Memphis Police Department handles citations and enforcement; Traffic Engineering evaluates physical controls and signage [2].
  • Appeals and review: procedures for contesting citations follow state and municipal court rules; exact appeal time limits and steps are not specified on the cited municipal pages.
If you receive a citation, the ticket lists how to contest it in court.

Applications & Forms

To request traffic-calming measures near a school, neighborhoods typically submit a traffic-calming request or citizen service request to Traffic Engineering; the City website is the starting point. The exact form name, number, filing fee, and submission method are not specified on the cited city pages and should be confirmed with Traffic Engineering [1].

How the City Evaluates School-area Requests

Evaluation normally follows an assessment: site visit, speed and volume counts, collision history review, and community support or petition. Traffic Engineering works with schools and neighborhoods to identify low-cost controls (signage, crossing guards) and capital improvements (speed cushions, crosswalks) when justified [1].

Start with a documented safety concern and any collision or near-miss records from your school.

Action Steps

  • Document the problem: note times, vehicle types, pupil crossings, and any collisions.
  • Contact Traffic Engineering to request an evaluation via the city service portal or contact page [1].
  • Gather school and neighborhood support (petitions, PTA letters).
  • If approved, coordinate with the school and the City for installation and any construction permits.
  • Pay required fees if a permitting or construction fee applies; confirm amounts with the listed City forms or project contact.

FAQ

Who enforces school zone speed limits in New South Memphis?
The Memphis Police Department enforces speed limits and issues citations; Traffic Engineering installs signage and physical controls. [2]
How do I request a speed hump or crosswalk near a school?
Submit a traffic-calming or citizen service request to City Traffic Engineering; the city evaluates requests based on data and community support. [1]
Are there standard fines listed on the City site?
The city pages consulted do not publish precise fine schedules; check the municipal code or citation paperwork for amounts (not specified on the cited page). [1]

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: times, photos, and any collision reports for the school frontage.
  2. Contact your school administration and PTA to confirm support and coordination.
  3. File a traffic-calming request with Traffic Engineering via the city portal or contact page [1].
  4. Respond to City requests for additional data or community signatures.
  5. Attend any City or neighborhood meetings about the proposal and follow up on installation timelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Safety projects combine engineering, enforcement and education and require City evaluation.
  • Start requests with Traffic Engineering and involve the school and neighbors early.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Memphis Traffic Engineering - Traffic calming and school-zone programs
  2. [2] City of Memphis Police Department - Contact and enforcement information

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