Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1996

Road markings for road humps

Figure 3 illustrates the type of markings suitable for road humps.

Figure 3: Road markings suitable for road humps (Not to Scale)

Markings at pedestrian crossings

Pedestrian crossings regulations are to be revised. Currently, signs to Diagram 1061 (TSRGD) are not appropriate for road humps at Zebra or Pelican Crossings. For Puffin and Toucan Crossings, triangular markings on the ramps may be appropriate, but not centre line nor edge line markings. At uncontrolled crossing places, markings in accordance with Diagram 1061 (TSRGD) should be used.

Markings for Speed Cushions

A single triangle, which currently requires signs authorisation, should be used on the approach ramp of each cushion. In the case where vehicles from both directions might be driven over a cushion the triangular marking should be used on both ramps. It is not appropriate to use any edge line marking across the top of the cushion as a warning of the side ramps. Where there are centrally positioned cushions which may be traversed by vehicles in both directions, hatched markings to Diagram 1040 (TSRGD) could be used on both approaches to the cushion.

Markings for "Thumps"

Where a thump is constructed from yellow reflective thermoplastic material no markings are necessary. Where other material is used, then unless it can be constructed in a suitable alternative yellow reflective material, it should not be coloured yellow but should incorporate the markings shown in Figure 3, which at present require signs authorisation. Triangular markings should extend from the base to the centre of the thump. The number of markings to be used will be determined by the particular circumstances. There should not be less than two on a side, nor more than four. Having a total of four triangles per side would be the norm, and in the case of a one way road they should be applied across the full width of the carriageway.

20mph Zones

Road hump markings and warning signs are not required within 20mph zones. Markings may be used if it is considered appropriate, particularly to enhance the conspicuity of the road humps. It should not be necessary to use warning signs, as the zone signs will be sufficient.

It will not be necessary to seek special authorisation if road humps are not formed at right angles to the centre line of the carriageway within a 20mph zone. However, this is generally not advised other than in the case of speed cushions within a chicane or pinch point.

Two wheeled vehicles

Both flat top and round top roads humps should be able to be negotiated by both cyclist and motorcyclists quite safely, though some users may experience discomfort. It has been suggested that sinusoidal curved humps may be more comfortable for cyclists, but experience of these designs in the UK is limited.

In the case of speed cushions, both motorcyclist and cyclists can use the adjacent gaps, which should be at least 750mm wide. Where two wheeled vehicles may be forced to ride over cushions, e.g. because of the presence of parked vehicles, it should be safe for them to do so. However, since riders may encounter the side ramps in such circumstances, it is important that the side ramps are not steeper than 1:4.

In some cases it might be helpful to provide a cycle land bypass between the kerb and the taper of a flat or round top road hump. Where possible this should be in the form of a mandatory cycle lane, so that other vehicles do not enter the area. The width of the cycle lane at these locations should not be greater than 1000mm, and not less than 750mm. If an island is used to separate the cycle land from the road hump, the width of the lane should be increased to 1.5m. Where it is not feasible to provide a mandatory cycle lane, the cycle land bypass should be marked out in the form of an advisory cycle lane. The surface of the cycle lane needs to be one that is suitable for cyclists, and gullies should not be located within the area between road hump and kerb.

Emergency service and bus routes

Advice on the use of traffic calming on strategic routes for emergency services is contained in TA Leaflet 3/94. Although use of road humps along such routes is not precluded, care will need to be taken in the design of such humps. In some cases the use of speed cushions no greater than 1.7m in width may be acceptable. Similarly, on bus routes speed cushions will cause less discomfort to passengers. Where raised junctions are installed it can be an advantage to use shallower gradients of between 1:15 and 1:20. Experience of ramp gradients used by local authorities in such locations is reported in TA Leaflet 2/96. Road humps on strategic routes should not normally be higher than 75mm. For roads humps other than speed cushions and "thumps", spacing of not less than 100m apart may be preferable. As speed cushions and "thumps" should have minimal effect, spacing not greater than 70m will be appropriate.

Structures

Other than in 20mph zones, road humps must not be constructed on any bridge or other structure such as a subway, culvert, or inside a tunnel, or within 25m of such a structure or tunnel. This is to ensure structure damage does not arise as a result of vehicle impact, or increased impact loading. Within 20mph zones it would still not be advisable to construct road humps of any type within a tunnel or other structure.

Railways

The regulations prescribe a minimum distance of 20m between any part of a road hump and a level crossing. Away from a level crossing a road hump must not be closer than 2m to any rails (this will include light rail tracks). The rail operator should always be consulted about the siting of any humps near to level crossings or light rail tracks.

Enquiries

Professional and technical enquiries should be addressed to:

Driver Information and Traffic Management Division
Department of Transport
3/24 Great Minster House
76 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DR
Tel: 0171 271 5185

References

Highway Act 1980
Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1483)
Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1992 (SI 1993/1849)
Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990 (SI 1990/703, 1990/1500)
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 1994 (SI 1994/1519)
TA Leaflet 2/90 Speed Control Humps (Superseded by TA 7/96)
TA Leaflet 3/91 Speed Control Humps, Scotland, England and Wales
TA Leaflet 11/93 Rumble Devices
TA Leaflet 13/93 Gateways
TA Leaflet 2/94 Entry Treatments
TA Leaflet 3/94 Emergency Services & Traffic Calming: A Code of Practice
TA Leaflet 4/94 Speed Cushions
TA Leaflet 7/94 "Thumps" - Thermoplastic Road Humps
TA Leaflet 7/95 Traffic Islands for Speed Control
TA Leaflet 2/96 75mm High Road Humps
TA Leaflet 4/96 Traffic Management and Emissions
TA Leaflet 6/96 Traffic Calming: Traffic and Vehicle Noise

TRL Report 18 - Road Humps for controlling vehicle speeds
TRL Report 32 - Speed control humps - a trial at TRL
TRL Report 103 - Vehicle and traffic noise alongside speed control cushion in York
TRL Report 174 - The environmental assessment of traffic management schemes: A literature review
TRL Report 180 - Traffic calming - Vehicle noise emissions alongside speed control cushions and road humps
TRL Report 182 - Traffic calming - Four schemes on distributor roads
TRL Report 186 - Traffic calming - Road hump schemes using 75mm high humps

British Standards BS 5489:1992, Road Lighting

Information on sinusoidal humps

TRL Paper PA2046/91 - Translation of Dutch 30 km/h zone Design Manual,
Danish Roads Directorate - Urban Traffic Areas, Part 7, Speed Reducers

Back to top