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Speed humps and chicanes are designed to keep vehicle
speeds down along specific sections of road. They are
traffic-calming measures that we can put in place if there is a
strong road safety case. This may be, for instance, if vehicles are
consistently speeding on a road next to a school.
Where can speed humps be used?
Road humps must only be used on roads:
- that have a 30mph or lower speed limit
- that are not A- or B- classed roads
Speed humps are designed to keep speeds low. They are not
designed to reduce speeds. So there need to be other measures in
place to slow vehicles down, before they reach the speed humps.
This could be a mini-roundabout, a narrow 'give way gateway', or
similar measure.
Is there any reason not to use speed humps?
Yes. Road humps or cushions are very effective at reducing
speed. But they can cause problems for emergency service vehicles,
such as fire engines and ambulances. And they are noisy.
So using speed humps is not always the best traffic-calming
measure to use.
Are there any other regulations that apply to speed humps?
Yes. There are regulations that apply to how speed humps can be
used. They must comply with The Highways Act and The Highways (Road
Humps regulations) 1999. Briefly, speedhumps must:
- be no higher than 75mm
- have appropriate signs to warn road users
- be appropriately lit
Requesting a traffic-calming measure
You can ask us to consider putting a traffic-calming measure
into a road if you believe that there is a strong road safety case
or other good reason. To do this, contact Kent Highway
Services. |