The Importance of Installing Speed Bumps

Excessive speed is one of the biggest dangers on UK roads. In fact, it ranks in the top five for causes of fatalities in road traffic accidents.

There are many ways to deter would-be speeders, but one of the most effective is installing speed bumps in problem areas.

Here we’ll look at how and why they are so effective, and how you can go about getting them if speeding cars are an issue in your area.

What is a speed bump?

Speed bumps are traffic calming devices in which the road is raised – either using an asphalt mound or with strips fixed to the tarmac.

When approaching a speed bump, drivers face either adhering to the speed limit in the area and a light bounce when passing across it, or potentially damaging their car and suffering an uncomfortable rattle if they go over too fast.

There are a number of regulations and rules surrounding the installation of speed bumps to ensure that they are used in appropriate areas and in a safe manner that does not endanger road users or pedestrians.

Advantages of installing speed bumps

• They work: They’re simple, but effective! Even the most determined of speeders don’t want to risk damaging the pride and joy or even potentially hurting themselves by speeding over a bump and losing control.
• Protection for pedestrians: With slower speeds in problem areas, it means fewer risks to people to the side of the road too. Forcing cars to slow down means pedestrians can see motorists coming.
• Regulating traffic: Putting speed bumps in areas that see high volumes of traffic may prompt people to look for other routes and spread traffic around the area more. It could also lead someone to consider using public transport or walking.

How can you get a speed bump installed?

• Speak to neighbours: If drivers are regularly speeding in an area where you live, then speak to your neighbours and see if it’s something that they have noticed too. They might even know some of the guilty culprits and could convince them to change their ways.
• Check local plans: Get in touch with your local council and see if they have any plans to bring traffic calming measures into place. If plans have not already been made, then your requests could prompt a change for the better.
• Contact the police: It’s the police’s job to enforce speed limits on our roads, so you should reach out to your local force if you suspect people are regularly breaching this in your local area. The police may be able to put local speed tests in place to catch those breaking the law and punish them, putting off would-be speeders in the future.