Neighbors request speed tables and pilot traffic study on narrow residential streets

A resident and realtor, Carson Hey Baker, asked the commission Sept. 10 to install speed tables on several narrow residential streets (East Fairview Avenue, Theodore Street, Newport Avenue and others) where drivers routinely exceed posted limits and where pedestrians and on‑street parking increase risk.

Why it matters: Traffic calming tools such as speed tables reduce vehicle speed and crash severity on residential streets and are part of Daytons broader road safety planning; residents requested either direct installations or an authorized pilot study with before‑and‑after measurements.

Baker cited local installations (speed tables on Gettysburg) and federal and independent studies showing 25–30 percent crash reductions after speed‑table installations and a reduction of the 85th‑percentile speed by roughly 10 mph. He asked the city to authorize either a traffic study or a pilot installation (one speed table per street) with proper signage. Commissioner Parlett said staff would follow up to get street names and next steps; staff requested petitioner provide petition signatures and additional details.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with the petitioner to gather the neighborhood petition, confirm locations and, if required, authorize a traffic study or pilot speed‑table installation per established city procedures.