This list of six traffic calming objectives comes from the U.S. Department Of Transportation Federal Highway Administration Website.

Six Main Objectives of Traffic Calming

1. To encourage public involvement in the traffic calming process by incorporating the preferences & requirements of the citizens,
2. To reduce vehicular speeds,
3. To promote safe & pleasant conditions for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, & residents,
4. To improve the environment & livability of neighborhood streets
5. To improve real & perceived safety for non-motorized users of the streets,
6. To discourage use of residential streets by non-citizens cut through vehicular traffic.

Sounds good in theory but how does all this work practically.  Please provide your comments and experiences.