Residents clash over speed bumps; council asks staff to reassess traffic‑calming options

Multiple residents testified at the City Council meeting on Aug. 7, 2024, about speed bumps and traffic-calming on NW 11th Place and adjacent streets, presenting competing views about safety, neighborhood character and process.

Supporters said temporary bumps reduced dangerous cut‑through traffic and protected children near three area schools. "Since those bumps have been through there, traffic has definitely slowed down," said one neighbor, describing fewer high‑speed pass‑through cars. Other speakers said the current bumps are harsh and urged replacement with gentler table‑top devices or construction of a roundabout to slow traffic long term.

Opponents and organizers of a "dump the bumps" effort argued the measures were installed without adequate notice or permanent study, and asked the council to cancel the traffic‑calming program or require broader public notification before administrative approvals. "If you ask the voters of Plantation, through a referendum or some other means, you would find that 70% are against traffic calming and speed bumps," said a resident who said he had circulated a direct‑mail survey. Councilmembers and staff responded that the city’s revenue from citations is minimal and that enforcement is intended for safety, not revenue.

City staff told council the 2021 installations were implemented as a quick remedy; the city now has a revised traffic‑calming policy that includes temporary fixes while longer capital and design work proceeds. Staff said options—pneumatic speed signs, chicanes, tabletop humps and ultimately roundabouts—are being evaluated, but capital projects will take time and additional funding. Council asked staff to re‑assess short‑term measures in the affected corridors and to provide clearer community notification about future administrative approvals for traffic‑calming work.