Protocols for dealing with the ever-increasing number of concerns being raised about speeding vehicles, and requests for traffic control devices, have been adopted by the Buffalo City Council, following the recommendation of the Buffalo Chief of Police and the City Engineer.

These protocols were developed to ensure that complaints are properly routed, that they are dealt with in a consistent manner, and that they are dealt with in a manner that is consistent with the wishes of the City Council. These protocols have also been developed to allow for a more orderly resolution to these complaints and an overall reduction in staff time by eliminating repetition and ineffective use of resources. These protocols have been laid out in a Flow-Chart format to help ensure that the proper process is followed in each case.

At the heart of the protocols relative to speed concerns is the “Statistical Level of Compliance”, or SLC. The Buffalo City Council has established an SLC of 85% for all roadways within the City of Buffalo. The SLC is determined by examining the speed limit for that area, and then taking into account a margin of error. If 85% of the vehicles that travel within a particular area are determined to be traveling at a speed that is contained within the SLC, no additional specific traffic intervention techniques are warranted. If less than 85% of the vehicles are in compliance, additional action will be taken in the form of education, enforcement, and/or engineering.

How is this determined? The police department will use various methods to conduct traffic surveys in areas of concern. Surveys will be conducted on multiple occasions, and during the peak complaint times, to try to make an accurate assessment of the problem in any given area. Once the surveys are completed, the information will be posted here in the Survey-Results section.

What about Signs & Signals? There are strict standards and guidelines that govern when signs and/or signals can be installed or changed. If you would like to have an area considered for signage or a change in existing signs, you can click on the Request a Sign Change here or below, and you can send us your request. Once a request has been made for a sign or a sign change, the area in question will be studied to determine what changes, if any, are warranted.

As a result of citizen comments, traffic surveys, and Police Officer observations, specific traffic areas have been identified within the City of Buffalo, which consistently fail to meet minimum standards for motorist’s compliance with traffic regulations. The Buffalo Police Department recently developed a program to bring compliance ratios up to suitable levels. This program will establish Intense Traffic Enforcement Zones (ITEZ), which will be easily distinguishable by a neon green sign, which notes: “Intense Traffic Enforcement Zone.” While citizens are always encouraged to obey the traffic laws, motorists operating in these zones should be particularly mindful of strict adherence to all regulatory signs, including speed signs, and their overall driving behavior. View below to learn more about ITEZ.