The Ultimate Guide to Speed Bump Regulations UK

Speed bumps, also known as road humps, can be used on both public and private roads to reduce traffic and accidents in problem areas. If your private road is being used as a shortcut or thoroughfare and is excessively busy, or you have noticed a lot of accidents and/or dangerous driving on your road, then you may want to consider installing speed bumps. Councils and highway bodies will often take the initiative to install speed bumps in high-risk areas, such as near schools or roads with high pedestrian footfall.

However, it is important to note that speed bumps can potentially make an area more dangerous if they are not used correctly. The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 outlines the legal conditions that speed bumps must meet to ensure safety. These regulations include requirements for informing and consulting with local authorities and emergency services, as well as specifications for the dimensions and location of speed bumps.

Before installing speed bumps, it is a legal requirement to inform and consult with the chief officer of police and emergency services such as the fire brigade and ambulance services. If the road in question is a main and only route for emergency services, then the installation of speed bumps may not be possible. It is also a legal requirement to inform any organizations or groups representing people who may be affected by the speed bumps, such as bus operators, transport services, and residents or traders in the area. If you are on a private road and are planning to install speed bumps, you should consult with the other residents on your street to make sure they approve of the plans.

All roads are different, and the length of the speed bumps may vary depending on the carriageway. However, according to The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999, all speed bumps must be a minimum of 900mm in length. The height of speed bumps must also be a minimum of 25mm but no more than 100mm at the highest point. Additionally, no vertical face of any material forming part of the speed bump should exceed 6mm measured vertically from top to bottom.

To ensure safety and prevent vehicles from grounding, speed bumps should not have a steeper gradient than 1:10. In some cases, shallower gradients may be necessary, depending on factors such as the presence of buses, the regular use of the road by emergency services, the incline of the road, and so on. Severe speed bumps that reduce car speeds to 10mph or less may only be used on private roads and are not permitted on public highways.

Speed bumps can only be constructed on roads with a speed limit of 30mph or less. The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 also outlines other location conditions for speed bumps. Generally, they should not be placed within 30 meters of a zebra-controlled area, including pelican or puffin crossings. However, flat speed bumps can be used as the zebra crossing itself or on the limits of the crossing when constructed by highway bodies.

For roads with a speed limit higher than 20mph, the speed bump must also be positioned at a right angle to an imaginary line running along the centre of the carriageway. The regulations also prohibit the placement of speed bumps:

• On a railway level crossing or within 20 meters of any rail forming part of the railway track at the crossing
• Within 2 meters of any rail providing support and guidance for vehicles carried on flanged wheels
• Under or within 25 meters of any part of a structure over a carriageway

In summary, the regulations for speed bumps outline the legal conditions that speed bumps must meet to ensure safety. These regulations include requirements for informing and consulting with local authorities and emergency services, as well as specifications for the dimensions and location of speed bumps.