News post

The Denton County Fresh Water Supply Districts of Paloma Creek and Northlake Estates often receive questions about installing speed bumps and humps.  Unfortunately, this practice is no longer the best solution for residential streets for many reasons.  

Many studies over the years have shown that they may not be the best solution in residential areas. The speed humps, bumps, or cushions slow emergency response from first responders and they wreak havoc on the suspensions of large, heavy, expensive fire apparatus.  

More importantly, studies have also shown that while deploying speed humps or bumps may decrease speed at the exact site and spot where they are placed, they can actually increase speeds in between the humps.  In other words, the studies showed that drivers become more impatient and frustrated because they were slowed down and they tend to "floor it" and accelerate rapidly to race to the next one to make up for lost time.  

Lastly, they can be a liability for cities, towns and districts because of the potential damage they could cause to vehicles.  They require warning signs that are obtrusive and clutter streets, some may require pavement markings that are expensive to place and maintain, and the humps or bumps also require routine maintenance.

The best way to reduce speed in our neighborhood is through education and enforcement.  The Little Elm Police Department and the Districts can deploy radar speed trailers to collect data and remind residents to slow down.  Little Elm Police Department can also assign officers to spend additional time enforcing traffic laws in the area.  The non-emergency number to the Little Elm Police Department is 214-975-0460.

We appreciate residents understanding on this matter, and invite you to Contact Uscontact us with any questions.