Project Report 101 Speeds at 'thumps' and low height road humps

Publication Year

1994

Document Status

Current

Abstract

Since July 1992 it has been possible for Local Authorities to apply to DOT for authorisation to use non-standard road humps such as 'thumps' and speed cushions in traffic calming schemes. Standard circular profile road humps have been widely used in the UK, but they can be relatively expensive to install. Yellow circular profile thermoplastic humps, ('thumps') 37mm high by 900mm in the direction of travel, were first used experimentally as a lower cost alternative by Wakefield MDC on Manygates Lane in 1990. The results were encouraging and therefore TRL included 'thumps' in a track trial held at TRL in November 1992 to assess safety and passenger discomfort. Following the track trials, the DOT funded the installation and monitoring of on-road trials of 'thumps' in order to further investigate their effectiveness as speed reducing devices and the effect on buses, emergency service vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles. Wakefield Metropolitan District Council assisted with these on-road trials and installed a series of 'thumps' along a road in South Elmsall, West Yorkshire. The results of the Wakefield trials are given in this report together with results from a further 4 sites where 'thumps' have been installed by the Local Authority. A brief comparison between 'thumps' and 50mm high standard circular profile humps is also included.

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