rubber speed humps vs Asphalt Humps: Cost, Installation and Lifespan

When it comes to installing speed humps on private roads, car parks and industrial estates, there are two main options: traditional asphalt humps and modular rubber humps. Both achieve the same goal — slowing vehicle speeds — but they differ significantly in cost, installation time, longevity and suitability.

Asphalt Speed Humps

Asphalt (tarmac) speed humps are built in situ by a surfacing contractor. Bituminous material is laid, compacted and shaped to the required profile. They're the standard treatment on public roads and residential streets.

Advantages:

• Seamless integration with existing road surface
• Extremely durable — 15–25 year lifespan with proper maintenance
• Cannot be removed or moved by unauthorised persons
• Can be painted/marked to highway standard

Disadvantages:

• High installation cost — typically £1,500–£4,000 per hump including contractor costs
• Requires road closure during installation
• Very difficult to remove if needed
• Requires planning and a surfacing contractor

Rubber Speed Humps (Modular)

Rubber speed humps are pre-formed modular sections, typically in 500mm or 600mm widths, bolted to the road surface. They can be assembled to any road width and are available in various profiles.

Advantages:

• DIY installation — no contractor required
• Installed in hours, not days
• Can be removed and reinstalled if the layout changes
• Much lower cost — typically £200–£800 per hump depending on road width
• High-visibility yellow/black warning striping built in
• Kinder to bicycle tyres than asphalt humps

Disadvantages:

• Can be vandalised or removed
• Shorter lifespan — typically 5–10 years
• Bolt fixings may work loose under heavy traffic
• Less suitable for high-speed roads
• Snow ploughs can damage or displace sections

Which to Choose?

Can Rubber Speed Humps Be Used on Public Roads?

The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 don't specifically exclude rubber humps from public roads, but the highway authority must approve the installation. In practice, most highway authorities prefer asphalt humps on adopted roads. Always check with your local council before installing rubber humps on a public highway.

FAQ

How are rubber speed humps fixed to the road?

Rubber speed hump sections are bolted to the road surface using anchor bolts drilled into tarmac or concrete. On tarmac, 10mm coach bolts are standard. On concrete, chemical anchors are recommended.

What height should a rubber speed hump be?

For private roads and car parks, 75mm height is a common choice — enough to achieve 15–20 mph speeds. Lower humps (50mm) are appropriate where speed reduction is needed but cycle traffic must be accommodated.

Do rubber speed humps work in winter?

Yes, but rubber can become brittle in very cold weather. Salt and gritting is fine for rubber humps. Snow ploughing should be done carefully — raised plough blades slightly to avoid snagging the humps.