What types of vehicles are in the area?
Will it need to cater to trucks, buses, or cars? Do emergency vehicles use the road regularly, and can they pass over it with little or no restriction? Different vehicles have different requirements, so you should know which vehicles are on the road.
What is the ideal speed for traffic in the area?
The height and width will significantly differ in the impact on speed. For example, a 30mm section generally allows vehicles to pass over the ramp at 15 - 20mph comfortably. A 75mm ramp will reduce traffic speed dramatically to 10mph.
What type of road surface is the ramp being installed on?
The road surface may affect the fixings you will use for your road bump. Concrete and asphalt roads may need different fixings, while some suppliers (including Pittman) use universal fixtures to suit the majority of road surfaces.
There are many reasons to choose modular speed ramps over single-piece, concrete or tarmac options.
- Precise moulding of sections provides a uniform height
- Cost-effective in terms of labour and materials
- Easier installation than concrete or tarmac
- Easier to replace sections if they become damaged
- Less disruptive to the area during installation
- Better visibility than most concrete or tarmac options
- Manufactured from recycled material
Offers instant speed reduction to slow vehicle and HGV traffic. Ranges from 30mm to 75mm high. A speed ramp is the most severe traffic calming design when compared to cushions or tables.
Speed cushions allow for a smoother traffic flow while slowing vehicles to a reasonable speed. They are perfect for high traffic areas in urban settings where they slow regular vehicle traffic but allow emergency vehicles to pass with ease.
The largest speed bump option from front to back. The "table" layout provides an excellent traffic calming option for cities or towns. The design provides a very gentle bump which encourages drivers to slow down to the local speed limit.
A speed table slows vehicles to a reasonable speed without slowing them to a near stop like speed bumps. They are highly suited to cities and towns.
Rumble strips serve as a reminder to drivers to slow down on the approach to pedestrian crossings, junctions or entrances. Rumble strips provide an audible warning as well as a physical warning to drivers. Install them alongside regular bumps to reduce speeds before they reach the area.
Kerb ramps are installed against footpaths to provide easier access for cars. Kerb ramps are commonly installed where the kerbs are too high for cars to gain access.
Use cable ramps to protect exposed cables on the ground, especially where foot and vehicle traffic is passing over them. The loose lay format allows for instant use on site.
- Precise moulding of sections provides a uniform height
- Cost-effective in terms of labour and materials
- Easier installation than concrete or tarmac
- Easier to replace sections if they become damaged
- Less disruptive to the area during installation
- Better visibility than most concrete or tarmac options
- Manufactured from recycled material
To install speed bumps you will need
- Precise measurements of the area
- Assessment of the traffic in the area
- A bump suited to the traffic and vehicle types travelling through the area
Modular rubber systems are much easier to install than concrete or tarmac.
To install, mark the area for each section (using the pre-drilled holes) and drill the required depth for the fixing with the drill bit.
Next, insert the required piece (end-cap or mid-section) and tighten it.
Once installed, the bumps can be used immediately. Ensure all works are completed following speed bump installation best practices.
Note: If installing multiple traffic calming measures, it is advised that the layout includes at least one vehicle’s length between them.
A speed ramp is a strip of rubber sections that are installed on roads to slow motorists down.
Speed bump kits deter cars from going too fast over them. If drivers are too fast they risk damaging their car.
In the UK, speed ramps are often called "sleeping policeman". This nickname rose in the 80s, where the speed ramps were said to be doing the job of a real policeman and reminding drivers to slow down.
High quality rubber speed bumps can last for years if installed correctly. However, their lifespan depends on the installation and the type & volume of traffic on the road.
Rubber sleeping policemen can maintain better shape than concrete over time. Modular sections are also easily replaced if they become worn or damaged.
The height and width of the bump will determine how fast you can drive over it. A 50mm bump will slow vehicles to around 10mph. A higher 75mm incline will cause drivers to slow to around 5mph. A speed cushion can offer an easier, more gradual bump – they generally slow traffic to 15-20 mph. These kinds of bumps are better suited to city and town environments.
Traffic bumps should not be avoided. Drivers should not swerve or enter into other lanes to avoid the bump. Drivers should slow to the appropriate speed before reaching the speed bump.
The spaces at the centre or sides of the road bumps are for drainage and help to keep the surface clear of standing water or snow.
Speed Bumps:
- Instant bump designed to slow traffic down instantly
- Effective for controlling speeds at low traffic volumes
- Shorter from front to back
- Not ideal for emergency vehicles and coaches
- Common in car parks and private car parking premises
- Slows traffic to approximately 5 - 10 mph
Speed Humps:
- Gradual bumps, slow traffic to a considerable speed
- Effective for controlling speeds at high traffic volumes
- Longer from front to back
- Ideal for emergency vehicles and coaches
- Common on public roads
- Slows traffic to approximately 15 - 20mph.
Call our experts for advice on our range of speed bumps and speed humps.
Traffic calming refers to the reduction of vehicle speed on public roads. Road bumps, cushions and tables are vital traffic calming and speed control devices.
Traffic calming is a common term used among government bodies and councils. It's aim is to decrease vehicle speeds to reduce the risk of traffic accidents and takes vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists into consideration.
