Most drivers on High Tor Hill travel at the speed limit or within 5mph.
We all likely agree that the handful of drivers traveling over 40mph can be a problem; however, in determining your vote, keep in mind that we will all have to live with the consequences of speed humps everyday on every trip from our homes.
Consider the following points when deciding if speed humps are right for High Tor Hill and the community we live in.
Visit the Resources page to view the full traffic audit report, as well as links to information and data related to the points below.
The traffic audit does not highlight a significant problem
The average reported speed is 29mph
80% drive between 21 and 35mph
87% drive under 35mph
Only 2% of drivers went over 40mph
Speed humps may negatively impact property values. Speed humps are an eyesore and suggest to potential buyers that High Tor Hill is a congested area with safety concerns
Humps slow emergency response vehicles. While High Tor is not a standard thoroughfare for emergency response vehicles responding to calls around the larger Columbia, it is the road utilized to reach residents who live along High Tor
Speed humps will cause unnecessary wear and tear on our vehicles. Residents will drive over between 1 and 6 speed humps every time they leave their homes on a daily basis to go anywhere
Residents do not get a say in the number or placement of the speed humps. We have been told that it is an "all or nothing" solution, meaning they install the 6 speed humps in the spots currently designated or else they do not install any
Residents will have to drive over multiple humps everyday to go anywhere in either direction
Humps are permanent but may not effectively slow the few excessive speeders
The Long Reach Association has not been consulted on or included in the planning of the speed humps plan. The Association desires a plan that involves collaboration and greater resident involvement for a neighborhood-wide solution
Humps will shift traffic to other streets, creating congestion and potential safety problems for our neighbors
Other solutions have not been tried that will not permanently alter our street and may be effective
There has been inadequate community input. Although we appreciate the work of the handful of neighbors who put together the speed humps proposal, no community-wide needs assessment has been conducted that explores the range of options available and the potential effects on our neighborhood
Humps may impact drainage, especially in inclement weather
Speed humps do not address the crosswalk safety issues on High Tor Hill. There are few actual crosswalks, and the crossing to the walking path may be a problem worth addressing
Humps can create additional noise. For residents who will be living next to a speed hump, they will hear noise every time a car drives over a hump. This will be especially noisy for buses, garbage trucks, lawncare trucks, and other service or commercial vehicles