How Speed Bumps Are Measured & Approved by UK Councils

The Legal Basis

Road humps on the public highway in England and Wales are authorised under Section 90A–90F of the Highways Act 1980. The detailed requirements are set out in: The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1025), The Highways (Traffic Calming) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1026), and Department for Transport Local Transport Note LTN 1/07: Traffic Calming. Only a highway authority can authorise the construction of road humps on the public highway. Private roads are not subject to these regulations but should follow best practice guidance.

Dimensional Requirements

Road Humps (Flat-Top)

Speed Cushions

Speed cushions consist of individual raised cushions covering only part of the road width, allowing buses and emergency vehicles (with wider wheelbases) to straddle them while still calming cars. Same height requirements as road humps (75–100mm). Favoured on bus routes and emergency vehicle corridors.

Round-Top Humps

Round-top (sinusoidal) humps use a curved profile rather than flat top with sloped approaches. Must also comply with the 75–100mm height requirement. Typically more comfortable for vehicles at higher speeds and produce less noise and vibration.

The Traffic Regulation Order Process

1. Decision to proceed: Highway authority decides measure is needed following collision analysis, speed survey, community petition, or other evidence
2. Scheme design: Traffic engineers design the scheme including dimensions, location, drainage, and signing
3. Statutory consultation with: Chief Officer of Police, fire and rescue authority, ambulance authority, bus operators, and representative organisations of persons who use the road
4. Public advertisement: Notice in local newspaper; 21-day objection period
5. Objection consideration: All objections must be formally considered; a public inquiry may be required if objections are significant
6. Making the Order: TRO is made if objections overruled or withdrawn
7. Construction: Humps built in accordance with the approved design

Signing and Marking Requirements

• Warning sign: Road Hump warning sign (diagram 557 under TSRGD 2016) placed in advance of humps
• Road markings: Zigzag white lines or hazard road markings across the hump profile required in most cases
• Retroreflective road studs: Required where humps are not otherwise well-lit
• Speed limit signing: If speed limit changes are proposed as part of the scheme

Private Roads and Car Parks

Speed bumps on private land are not subject to the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999. However: the highway authority's standards represent best practice and should be followed; inadequately marked or excessively high bumps create liability under occupiers' liability legislation; and planning conditions may impose speed bump requirements as part of development consent.

Emergency Services Objections

Road humps are sometimes subject to emergency services objections on the grounds of delayed response times. Solutions include speed cushions instead of full-width humps (emergency vehicles can straddle), route analysis confirming the road is not on a primary emergency response route, and modified hump profiles more comfortable at emergency vehicle speeds.

How to Apply as a Resident

1. Contact your local ward councillor to raise the issue formally
2. Council's highways department carries out a speed survey to establish whether a problem exists
3. Community petition can support the case
4. The formal TRO process follows if the authority decides to proceed

Conclusion

Road humps on the public highway are tightly controlled to ensure they are safe, consistent, and properly signed. The TRO process provides appropriate safeguards including emergency service consultation. For private road and car park installations, following the public highway standards represents best practice. Browse our speed bump and traffic calming range.

Related guides: rubber speed bumps | speed cushions vs speed humps | road humps UK regulations