Traffic Calming Ordinances Near Schools - Amarillo

Transportation Texas 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Amarillo, Texas, parents and neighborhood groups can ask the city to consider traffic calming measures near schools to improve safety for children and pedestrians. This guide explains how city procedures work, who enforces them, where to find the controlling municipal code and departmental policies, and practical steps to request studies, signs, crosswalks, or physical calming devices. Expect coordination between Traffic Engineering, Public Works, and other city offices; formal petitions or requests often start with a traffic study request and follow a public process.

How the process works

The typical municipal process in Amarillo begins with a resident request or a council referral. Traffic Engineering evaluates speed, volume, collision history and school activity to determine if calming is warranted. For official program details and contact information, see the City of Amarillo Traffic Engineering page[1]. For controlling ordinances and code provisions, consult the City of Amarillo municipal code pages[2].

Start with Traffic Engineering to request a preliminary review.

Common traffic calming measures considered

  • Marked crosswalks and school crossing signs.
  • Speed cushions, curb extensions, or traffic circles.
  • Reduced speed zones and school zone timing for signals.
  • Enforcement campaigns coordinated with Amarillo Police Department.

Penalties & Enforcement

Local enforcement of traffic regulations near schools is carried out by the Amarillo Police Department and citations for moving violations follow state and municipal law. Specific penalty amounts for violations related to traffic calming devices or school zones are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the municipal code and police pages for applicable moving-violation fines and procedures[2].

  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence ranges: not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or modify unauthorized devices, court appearances, and injunctive relief may apply; specifics not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer: Amarillo Police Department and City Traffic Engineering for installations and compliance. Contact Traffic Engineering for studies and Police for enforcement reports[1].
  • Appeals/review: citation contesting occurs via Municipal Court; appeals of administrative orders follow city code procedures—time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defences/discretion: the city may allow temporary or experimental measures and may grant exceptions via permit or council action; any formal variance or permit process is documented in departmental procedures or code.
If you receive a citation, follow Municipal Court instructions promptly.

Applications & Forms

The city may publish a traffic-calming request or traffic study request form through Traffic Engineering or Public Works. A specific traffic-calming application form is not specified on the cited pages; contact Traffic Engineering to learn the current submission method and any fees[1].

Action steps to request traffic calming near a school

  • Document concerns: gather speed observations, photos, and incident records near the school.
  • Contact Traffic Engineering to request a traffic study and ask for any required petition or neighborhood support requirements.[1]
  • If a form is required, complete and submit it along with maps and signatures.
  • Attend any public meetings or site visits; the city may schedule community input sessions.
  • If approved, monitor installation and compliance; report issues to Traffic Engineering or the Police Department.
Community petitions often help prioritize studies and funding.

FAQ

How long does a traffic study take?
Times vary by workload and scope; the Traffic Engineering office will provide an estimated timeline when you submit a request.[1]
Is there a cost for residents to request traffic calming?
Any fees or required contributions are determined by city policy; fees are not specified on the cited pages—check with Traffic Engineering for current information.[1]
Who decides if calming measures are installed?
Traffic Engineering evaluates and recommends actions; final decisions may involve Public Works, the Police Department, or City Council depending on scope and funding.[1]

How-To

  1. Collect evidence: speeds, photos, and times of high pedestrian activity.
  2. Contact Traffic Engineering to request a formal traffic study and ask for any required form.
  3. Submit supporting documents and community signatures if requested.
  4. Participate in site visits and public meetings to advocate for appropriate measures.
  5. Follow up on implementation and request enforcement or adjustments as needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin requests with Traffic Engineering for a formal study.
  • Community documentation and petitions strengthen requests.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Amarillo Traffic Engineering - Traffic studies, contact and program information
  2. [2] City of Amarillo Municipal Code - City ordinances and code access

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