In April 2008, citizen work groups were tasked by North Kitsap’s county commissioner Steve Bauer to address community concerns surrounding the installation of speed tables on the main arterials in Hansville. Following guidelines provided by Bauer’s office in June 2008, these groups have been working toward solution options that will be brought forward to the Hansville community for their consideration and endorsement. After securing broad community support from Hansville residents, the selected option(s) will be presented to the Kitsap County commissioners for their consideration/decision.

Some community concerns from both sides of the issue are:

   • Excessive speeding

   • Pedestrian, animal, and wildlife safety

   • Population increase impacts

• Delayed fire and medical emergency response time

   • Vehicle damage due to speed tables 

• Non-speeding drivers unable to traverse speed tables at posted speed limit 

 • No alternative routes for avoidance of speed tables for non-speeding drivers

The Enhance Speed Tables Work Group has been researching:

• Better demarcation and lighting of speed tables

• Re-engineering speed tables

• Photo Radar in replacement of speed tables

• Enforcement

• Speed “cushions” which allow unimpeded emergency vehicle passage

The Remove Speed Tables Work Group has been researching: 

   • Speed table removal

   •  Alternative traffic calming measures

   • Fire and medical emergency response protocol and impedance by speed tables  

   • Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner – Impacts on homeowner

insurance rates due to delayed fire emergency response time

• Kitsap County Public Works Local Traffic Safety Program (LTSP) policies relating to

application of speed tables

• Enforcement and education

The Hansville Speed Table Work Groups have been providing information to the public online at www.nkpcc.com.