Road Humps: Compliance and Evolution

The introduction of the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990 marked a significant step in regulating traffic calming measures across the United Kingdom. These regulations laid down specific guidelines for the design, construction, and placement of road humps, primarily aimed at improving road safety by reducing vehicle speeds. However, the landscape of traffic calming has evolved considerably since 1990. A substantial amount of research has been conducted, focusing not only on the efficacy of humps that conform to the original regulations but also on newer, often non-conforming designs that have emerged to address specific traffic management needs. This article delves into the compliance aspects of road humps with the 1990 regulations and examines the research that has informed the development and adoption of alternative designs.

Understanding the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990

The 1990 Regulations, enacted under the authority of the Highways Act 1980, were comprehensive in their scope. They defined the permissible dimensions, materials, and surfacing treatments for road humps. The primary objective was to ensure a standardised approach to these traffic calming devices, thereby guaranteeing a predictable response from vehicles and minimising potential hazards. Key aspects of the regulations included:

• Dimensions: Specific limits were set for the height, width, and length of humps. For instance, the maximum height was typically around 100mm, with a maximum length of 1.8m.
• Shape: The regulations favoured a specific profile, often a circular arc, to provide a smoother transition for vehicles.
• Materials: Permissible materials for construction were outlined, generally involving tarmacadam or concrete.
• Surfacing: Requirements for the surfacing of humps were detailed to ensure durability and visibility.
• Spacing: While not explicitly detailed in the regulations themselves, guidance on appropriate spacing was developed based on research and best practice.

These regulations were crucial in establishing a baseline for safety and consistency. They aimed to prevent the haphazard installation of poorly designed humps that could cause excessive vehicle wear, discomfort to occupants, or even create dangerous situations, particularly for emergency vehicles or cyclists.

The Rise of Non-Conforming Designs: Speed Cushions and 'Thumps'

The very nature of research is to question, refine, and innovate. As engineers and traffic management specialists gained more experience with road humps, they identified certain limitations and specific scenarios where the standard hump design might not be optimal. This led to the development of variations that, while effective, did not strictly adhere to the 1990 regulations. Two prominent examples are:

Speed Cushions

Speed cushions are a prime example of a non-conforming design that gained popularity due to their specific benefits. These are typically narrower humps with gaps between them, designed to allow the wheels of wider vehicles, such as emergency service vehicles or buses, to pass through without significant disruption. The research into speed cushions focused on:

• Targeted Speed Reduction: By forcing most vehicles onto a narrower path, they still achieve speed reduction for the majority of traffic.
• Emergency Vehicle Access: The gaps are crucial for allowing fire engines, ambulances, and other wide-wheelbase vehicles to pass at a reduced speed but without the jarring impact of a full hump.
• Cyclist Comfort: The narrower profile and the presence of gaps can offer a more comfortable passage for cyclists compared to full-width humps.
• Drainage: The gaps can also aid in road drainage.

While effective, speed cushions often fall outside the strict dimensional and uniformity requirements of the 1990 Regulations. Their design is a direct response to the need for a more flexible traffic calming solution that balances speed reduction with operational requirements for specific vehicle types.

'Thumps' (Narrow Thermoplastic Humps)

The term 'thump' often refers to narrower, often prefabricated thermoplastic humps. These are typically installed as individual units and can be significantly narrower than the humps prescribed by the 1990 Regulations. Research and development in this area have focused on:

• Ease of Installation: Prefabricated units, often made of rubber or durable plastic, can be installed more quickly and with less disruption than traditional asphalt humps.
• Cost-Effectiveness: In some cases, the material and installation costs can be lower.
• Flexibility: They can be easily removed or repositioned if traffic management needs change.
• Durability: Modern materials offer good resistance to wear and tear.

'Thumps' often deviate from the 1990 Regulations in terms of width and potentially the gradualness of their profile, depending on the specific product. Their adoption is driven by practical considerations such as installation speed and maintenance.

Research Findings and Their Impact

The considerable research carried out since the 1990 Regulations were introduced has provided invaluable insights into the performance characteristics of various road hump designs. Studies have examined:

• Speed Reduction Effectiveness: How different shapes, heights, and spacings impact vehicle speeds.
• Vehicle Dynamics: The forces exerted on vehicles and their occupants, including ride comfort and potential for damage.
• Environmental Impact: Noise generated by vehicles passing over humps and potential increases in fuel consumption and emissions due to braking and acceleration.
• Impact on Different Vehicle Types: How humps affect cars, motorcycles, cyclists, heavy goods vehicles, and emergency vehicles.
• Durability and Maintenance: The lifespan of different hump materials and designs under various traffic and weather conditions.

This research has highlighted that while the 1990 Regulations provided a solid foundation, a 'one-size-fits-all' approach might not be the most effective. The findings have supported the development and wider acceptance of designs like speed cushions, which offer a nuanced approach to traffic calming by accommodating specific vehicle needs.

Compliance: A Shifting Landscape

So, do road humps comply with the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990? The answer is nuanced.

• Strictly Conforming Humps: Humps that are designed and constructed precisely to the dimensions, shape, and material specifications outlined in the 1990 Regulations would be considered compliant. Many local authorities continue to install such humps where appropriate.
• Non-Conforming Designs: Speed cushions, 'thumps', and other variations that deviate from the strict letter of the 1990 Regulations are generally not compliant with those specific regulations.

However, it is crucial to understand that the regulatory framework for traffic calming has evolved. While the 1990 Regulations remain a foundational document, subsequent guidance and best practices, informed by ongoing research, have allowed for greater flexibility. Local authorities often have the discretion to implement traffic calming measures that may not strictly adhere to the 1990 limits if they can demonstrate that the proposed design is effective, safe, and meets the intended traffic management objectives. This often involves specific traffic assessments and consultation processes.

The Department for Transport (DfT) provides guidance on traffic calming measures, which often acknowledges the existence and utility of these non-conforming designs, provided they are implemented responsibly. The key consideration is not just compliance with a specific historical set of regulations, but the overall safety, effectiveness, and suitability of the traffic calming measure for the specific location.

Comparative Table: Standard vs. Non-Conforming Humps

To better illustrate the differences, consider this comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are speed cushions legal?

Yes, speed cushions are legal and widely used. While they may not conform to the strict specifications of the 1990 Regulations, their installation is permitted under current traffic management guidance, provided they are implemented safely and effectively by local authorities. They are often seen as an improvement on standard humps for specific situations.

What are the disadvantages of standard road humps?

Disadvantages can include reduced comfort for vehicle occupants, potential damage to vehicles if approached too quickly or incorrectly, increased noise pollution, potential for increased emissions due to braking and acceleration, and challenges for emergency services or cyclists if not designed with these factors in mind. They also require more substantial roadworks for installation.

Can emergency vehicles use speed cushions?

Yes, that is one of the primary design intentions of speed cushions. The gaps between the individual hump units are sized to allow the wheels of most emergency vehicles (fire engines, ambulances) to pass through without significant impact, while still requiring the vehicle to slow down.

Are there any alternatives to road humps?

Certainly. Other traffic calming measures include speed tables (raised platforms that are wider and flatter than humps), chicanes (alternating curves), road narrowing, traffic islands, and signage. The choice of measure depends on the specific road environment, traffic speeds, and desired outcome.

Conclusion

The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990 provided essential initial standards for road humps. However, the subsequent decades of research and practical application have led to the evolution of traffic calming designs. While humps that strictly adhere to the 1990 regulations are compliant, newer designs like speed cushions and 'thumps' have emerged to address specific needs, such as improved emergency vehicle access and more adaptable installation methods. These non-conforming designs, while not strictly compliant with the 1990 rules, are often implemented based on broader traffic management principles and current guidance, prioritising overall safety and effectiveness. The continued research and adaptation of traffic calming measures ensure that our road networks remain safe and efficient for all users.

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