2. Identify the right channels
Every city has a government body responsible for road transport infrastructure. In large metropolises, there are often dedicated road management committees. For instance, in Moscow residents can reach the Center for Traffic Management TsODD or the Department of Transport and Road Infrastructure Development directly or via an electronic reception. In smaller towns, these tasks are usually handled by the improvement or traffic management departments of the local administration.
To quickly draw attention to a problematic road section, it is effective to notify multiple bodies at once. This can include the city mayoral website, the State Duma site, the prefecture, or the Moscow Transport portal for Muscovites.
3. Gather supporting arguments
GOST standards specify that traffic lights should be installed where traffic is considered heavy. A minimum of 60 cars per hour in both directions triggers consideration, rising to 1000 cars per hour if a dividing lane is present. If at least 150 pedestrians cross the road at a zebra crossing in an hour, a traffic light becomes a factor.
Another trigger is a high accident rate. If there have been at least three incidents on a site in the last year, a traffic light may be placed at an intersection that does not see heavy traffic.
Artificial speed control measures, known as speed bumps or IDN, are installed when the nearby area includes residential zones, children’s facilities, or other busy locations such as theatres or museums, or when there is a history of accidents in the area.
Officials often place police traffic control devices in front of unregulated intersections or on dangerous road segments with a high risk of incidents. If none of these conditions apply, it is still possible to argue that the installation of an IDN will significantly improve safety for all road users. The stronger the case, the better the outcome.
The speed bump in combination with the zebra crossing is part of a national standard, GOST R 52605-2006. They are commonly installed near schools, playgrounds, and other spots in residential areas. The width of a single speed bump is typically at least four meters.
4. Collect information
The official overview of accidents for the required period is available on the traffic police website. Enter the settlement name and navigate to the summary of incidents in the region.
5. Write a notice of objection
The notice should specify the exact location where a traffic light or speed bump is desired and explain the reasons. For example, the note might read that increased traffic due to a new shopping center or frequent speed limit violations endangers pedestrians, and therefore the area near a specific address should be equipped with artificial bumps to curb speed. Supporting photos and traffic police statistics should accompany the notice.
6. Gather like minded signatures
Passport details and contact numbers of signatories should be provided. It is beneficial to present the appeal at a residents’ general meeting.
7. Submit the notice of objection
If delivered in person, bring two copies, and have the secretary stamp the second copy as receipt. The notice can also be sent by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt. The simplest method is to use the local authority online reception if it exists.
8. Await a response
Legally, a reply is required within 30 days. In practice, responses can arrive sooner. For example, the requested installation may already be part of the address program, indicating it will be implemented soon.
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