Apply for traffic calming
We receive many requests for work each year. We carry out a detailed analysis of accident records so we can tackle the most deserving cases first.
This helps us use our limited funds in the best way possible while still reducing the number of accidents.
There are many different speed restriction measures we can put in place to help calm traffic and reduce accidents.
Speed humps
There are regulations governing the layout of speed humps. When they're applied to a road, they must be spaced at regular intervals and must be within a minimum distance of the entry points to a road. Warning signs can be provided to identify speed humps but they're not required when the humps are located within a 20mph zone.
The shape of speed humps is strictly regulated. They must be between 50mm and 100mm high, at least 2.75m long and extend over the full width of the road, except for a drain channel at either end. They may have round or flat tops.
We've adopted 75mm high humps as standard. This is because they have been found to reduce traffic speeds to around 22mph.
Junction tables
In effect, these are speed tables located within a junction. We usually build them to be as wide as the road so that they can provide a useful crossing point for pedestrians.
Speed cushions
These are smaller versions of the standard speed hump. They're usually positioned in pairs, but 3 cushions may be used on wider roads.
Speed cushions are wide enough to allow wide wheelbase vehicles such as buses and fire appliances to pass unhindered. Smaller wheelbase vehicles like cars have to have at least one set of wheels partially on the cushion. This helps to slow cars down without having an effect on other traffic.
Speed cushions are often the preferred traffic calming solution for emergency services and bus companies. However, it is also necessary to introduce waiting restrictions to avoid parked vehicles diverting passing traffic out of alignment with the cushions.
Chicanes and build-outs
Chicanes and build-outs narrow the road and can be used to create a priority movement for vehicles.
They reduce traffic speed by reducing the road width or creating a deflection. Not all locations are suitable for these types of features as they can remove on-street parking and conflict with driveways.