Traffic calming policy

Traffic calming is the use of physical solutions to reduce traffic speeds and cut-through traffic. The city supports traffic calming as a means to reduce speeds to improve safety and quality of the community. 


On this page

  1. Road safety and traffic calming program
  2. Display a Slow Down Please lawn sign

Road safety and traffic calming program

Traffic calming study requests

We're no longer accepting traffic calming study requests.

In February 2024, Council approved a new road safety and traffic calming program. This program aims to reduce injuries and fatalities on our roads. Here's what we're doing:

Collecting traffic data

City staff will gather important traffic data such as:

  • speeding data
  • traffic volume
  • collision history
  • infrastructure information

Once we have all the data, we'll compare each intersection and road section. This will help us identify areas that need safety improvements the most.

We plan to complete this data collection and analysis by mid-2024. 

Prioritizing safety

Our goal is to use public funds wisely by prioritizing the most critical safety improvements. This way, we can make sure our roads are safer for everyone.


Display a Slow Down Please lawn sign

Keeping our neighbourhoods safe is a shared responsibility which is why CAA and the City of Waterloo have partnered on this project. When well-placed, these signs aim to make roads safer for all members of the community. 

Lawn signs are available for pick-up at Waterloo Services Centre (265 Lexington Court) and RIM Park (2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo). Review the criteria below for sign assembly, installation and placement. 

Sign assembly and installation
  1. Take the accompanying metal U frame and slip this wire through the plastic bag sign (note: the plastic bag consists of 2 layers welded together). 
  2. Push the frame/bag sign set into the lawn. Use foot pressure on the wire frame to secure it into the ground, rather than pushing down on the top of the sign.  

Signs should be placed visible to oncoming traffic and according to rules set out in the Sign Bylaw:

  • on your private residential property
  • one sign per property
  • not obstructing driveways, intersections, sidewalks or walkways
  • not obstructing a driver’s, cyclist’s or pedestrian’s line of vision
  • sign installation time is recommended from April – October
  • replace damaged signs

Please dispose of sign materials safely after use. Both the bag and metal are recyclable in The Region of Waterloo blue box program and must be separated.

The sign once installed is your property and your responsibility.