Road Humps

Road humps were formally introduced in this country during the early 1980s. Their main purpose is to reduce vehicle speed and therefore reduce the number and severity of road traffic accidents. Through traffic may also be reduced.

The Council receives many requests from residents for these to be introduced in their roads to reduce speeds and improve safety.

The Council has a traffic calming policy (PDF 25KB) which details when intrusive traffic calming, including road humps, would be considered.

Road humps can only be constructed on roads which have a speed limit of 30mph or less, and have street lighting. Their construction and signing is regulated by the Department for Transport (DfT). The regulations state that road humps are to:-

be between 25mm and 100mm high;
have a minimum length of 900mm;
be either curved or flat topped; and
be spaced at between 20m and 150m,(70m is normally used).

There is a statutory requirement to consult with the emergency services, organisations or groups representing people who use the road such as bus operators, other transport service providers and residents and traders of the street where the road humps are proposed prior to their installation.

Speed Cushions are a type of road hump that only occupies part of the traffic lane so the wheels of large vehicles, such as buses and fire tenders, go either side of them. They are often used in groups of 2 or 3 across the carriageway and also singly where the road is narrowed down to one lane.

If you require any further information please contact us at the Traffic and Safety Group.