Traffic in the Cambridge Highlands neighborhood just off Concord Avenue, should settle down now that peak hour restriction signs have been put in place.

Between speeding, traffic congestion, non-resident parking, and drivers short-cutting the traffic light, the neighborhood behind Sancta Maria Hospital has had its share of traffic woes.

“Drivers wanting to turn right onto Blanchard from Concord Ave use our neighborhood as a shortcut to avoid the traffic light there, “says Eric Welin of the Cambridge Highlands Neighborhood Association.

“We requested a speed trap be setup last fall but unfortunately no tickets were issued because the fastest people hit that intersection was at 37MPH and the speed limit on these roads is 30. If you’ve seen the intersection it’s hard to believe people were going that fast down these streets!”

Last October, local residents met with the traffic department to discuss the proposed traffic calming plans. Residents felt the proposed curb extensions would not address the problems, and, in some situations, would exacerbate them. After many suggestions including stop signs, speed bumps, and raised crosswalks, the neighborhood settled upon additional law enforcement, increased signage, and peak hour restrictions.

Now there are two such restriction signs. One forbids left hand turns onto South Normandy from Blanchard Road between 7:30 and 9:30 AM on weekday mornings. The second sign is posted at Griswold Street and Sunset Road, and restricts left turns onto Sunset between 4:00 and 6:00 PM on weekday afternoons. These restrictions apply to all vehicles, including residents.