Speed Bump Regulations UK: What You Need to Know Before Installing
speed bumps (and speed humps) are one of the most effective traffic calming measures available, but in the UK there are clear rules governing where, how and what type can be installed — particularly on public roads. Getting it wrong can result in the local authority requiring removal at your cost.
Speed Bumps on Public Roads
On public highways, speed humps and bumps must comply with the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/1025) and the Road Humps (Scotland) Regulations 1998.
Key legal requirements for road humps on public roads:
- Must be approved by the highway authority (local council)
- Must include advance warning signs (sign number 557 in the Traffic Signs Regulations)
- Road must have a speed limit of 30 mph or less
- Must be constructed to specified dimensions (see below)
- Lighting must be provided within 2 metres of each hump on unlit roads
Legal Dimensions for Road Humps
The Highways Regulations specify:
- Height: 25–100mm
- Length (in direction of travel): 900mm–3.7m for round-top humps; up to 10m for flat-top humps (also known as speed tables)
- Width: Must extend to within 500mm of the kerb or carriageway edge
Speed Bumps on Private Land
On private roads and car parks, there is much greater flexibility. You do not need highway authority approval — but you do need to consider:
- Emergency vehicle access — Height and spacing must allow ambulances to pass without grounding
- Visitor/customer signage — Warn drivers of humps to avoid damage claims
- Planning consent — Usually not required for standard bumps, but check if in a conservation area
- Lease/freehold restrictions — Shared car parks may require landlord approval
Speed Bumps vs Speed Humps vs Speed Cushions
| Type | Profile | Typical Use | Emergency Vehicle Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Bump | Narrow, sharp (300–900mm) | Car parks, private roads | ❌ No |
| Speed Hump | Gradual, rounded (3.7m) | Residential roads | ✅ Yes (slow) |
| Speed Table | Flat top (6–10m) | Pedestrian crossings | ✅ Yes |
| Speed Cushion | Partial width | Bus routes, cycle routes | ✅ Yes (wide vehicles straddle) |
Recommended Speed Reductions
- 25mm high: reduces speeds to approximately 20 mph
- 75mm high: reduces speeds to approximately 10 mph
- 100mm high (maximum legal): heavy speed reduction, emergency vehicle concern
FAQ
Can I install a speed bump on my private road?
Yes. On fully private roads not adopted as public highway, you can install speed bumps without highway authority approval. Ensure adequate signage and consider emergency vehicle access.
What colour should speed bumps be?
UK regulations specify that road humps on public roads should include white or yellow hatching/stripes. On private land, high-visibility yellow is recommended for safety.
How far apart should speed bumps be spaced?
On public roads, humps should be spaced so the approach speed is maintained at or below the limit. Guidance suggests spacing of 40–100 metres. On private car parks, 25–50m spacing is typical.
Do speed bumps damage vehicles?
Standard-dimension bumps don't damage vehicles driven at appropriate speeds. Vehicles driven too fast over bumps risk suspension and exhaust damage — which is the property owner's liability if bumps are unmarked or non-standard.
🛒 Shop Related Products
📖 Related Guides
Related guides: rubber speed bumps | speed cushions vs speed humps | road humps UK regulations