What is meant by "traffic calming"?

"Traffic calming" refers to a set of strategies and design techniques aimed at reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas. The primary goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment by slowing down traffic, which can involve the implementation of measures such as speed humps, chicanes, road narrowings, and increased signage to encourage drivers to adhere to lower speed limits.

In urban settings, where residences, shops, and recreational areas intermingle, high vehicle speeds can lead to dangerous conditions for all road users. Traffic calming measures are rooted in the understanding that a lower speed environment not only enhances safety but also encourages greater utilization of walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized transport.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of traffic calming; rather, they highlight practices that would either increase speeds or exacerbate current congestion, counteracting the core objective of promoting safety and a shared road space.