Editing Speed bump

{{Short description|Traffic calming device}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2023}}
{{About||the speed changes in cinematography|Slow motion#In action films|other uses|Speed bump (disambiguation)}}
[[File:SpeedBump.JPG|thumb|right|Speed bump and warning signs]]
[[File:Road sign Humps for 1 mile Lilley Hertfordshire 2011-06-17.jpg|thumb|A road sign "Humps for 1 mile" in [[Hertfordshire]], England]]
'''Speed bumps''' (also called '''traffic thresholds''', '''speed breakers''' or '''sleeping policemen''') are a class of [[traffic calming]] devices that use vertical deflection to slow motor-vehicle traffic in order to improve safety conditions. Variations include the '''speed hump''', '''speed cushion''', and '''speed table'''.

The use of vertical deflection devices is widespread around the world, and they are most commonly used to enforce a  [[speed limit]] under {{cvt|40|km/h|mph}}.

Although speed bumps are effective in keeping vehicle speeds down, their use is sometimes controversial—as they can increase traffic noise, may damage vehicles if traversed at too great a speed (despite that being the point), and slow emergency vehicles. Poorly-designed speed bumps that stand too tall or with too-sharp an angle can be disruptive for drivers, and may be difficult to navigate for vehicles with low [[Ride height|ground clearance]], even at very low speeds. Many [[sports car]]s have this problem with such speed bumps. Speed bumps can also pose serious hazards to [[motorcyclist]]s and [[bicyclist]]s if they are not clearly visible, though in some cases a small cut across the bump allows those vehicles to traverse without impediment.

==Composition==
{{unreferenced section|date=December 2023}}
Each of these devices can be made from a variety of materials, including [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]], [[concrete]], recycled [[plastic]], [[metal]], or [[Vulcanization|vulcanized rubber]]. Several trade-offs must be made when selecting the material for a new speed cushion. Traditionally most vertical deflection devices have been constructed of asphalt or concrete. Due to the rigidity and durability of these materials, they have more permanence and are more effective at slowing traffic. However, they can be difficult to shape and form into consistent forms and precise dimensions.

Rubber products are pre-shaped to standard sizes to meet industry standards. Preformed rubber products are typically bolted down, making them easier to install or remove. Temporary bolt-down installations can be ideal for planners in testing the use and positioning of speed bumps before implementing them in a larger project. Bolt-down products can also be removed or relocated during winter snow periods—where speed bumps are easily concealed and may be damaged by snowplows.

==History==
On June 7, 1906, ''[[The New York Times]]'' reported on an early implementation of what might be considered speed bumps in [[Chatham, New Jersey]], which planned to raise its crosswalks {{Convert|5|in|cm|abbr=out|sigfig=2|spell=in}} above the road level: "This scheme of stopping automobile speeding has been discussed by different municipalities, but Chatham is the first place to put it in practice".<ref>{{cite news|title=Democratic Rate Plan Favored by Roosevelt [and other news]|work=New York Times|date=1906-03-07|page=3}}</ref> The average automobile's top speed at the time was around {{cvt|30|mph|km/h|abbr=on|sigfig=1|order=flip}}, but braking was poor by modern standards.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}

[[Arthur Holly Compton]] was a [[physicist]] and winner of the [[Nobel Prize]] in physics in 1927 for his discoveries resulting in major changes in [[electromagnetic theory]]. He is commonly known for his work on the [[Compton effect]] with [[X-ray]]s. He also invented what he called "traffic control bumps", the basic design for the speed hump, in 1953. Compton began designs on the speed bump after noticing the speed at which motorists passed Brookings Hall at [[Washington University in St. Louis|Washington University]] in [[St. Louis, Missouri]], where he was [[chancellor (education)|chancellor]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Original Traffic control sketch made by Compton in 1953|url=http://library.wustl.edu/units/spec/archives/facts/images/traffic_control_sketch_1953.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615162332/http://library.wustl.edu/units/spec/archives/facts/images/traffic_control_sketch_1953.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=2010-06-15|publisher=Washington University Libraries|access-date=2014-03-14}}</ref>

The British Transport and Road Research Laboratory published a comprehensive report in 1973 examining vehicle behavior for a large variety of different bump geometries.<ref>Road humps for the control of vehicle speeds by G.R. Watts, TRRL Laboratory Report 597,1973</ref> At the time speed humps were not permitted on public roads but had been installed on private roads.

According to a publication by the [[Institute of Transportation Engineers]], the first speed bump in Europe was built in 1970 in the city of [[Delft]] in the [[Netherlands]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Klaus Schlabbach|title=Traffic Calming in Europe|url=http://www.ite.org/traffic/documents/JGA97A38.pdf|publisher=Institute of Transportation Engineers|access-date=2014-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829110759/http://www.ite.org/traffic/documents/JGA97A38.pdf|archive-date=2012-08-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Speed bumps==
[[File:Speed bump (asphalt).jpg|thumb|right|Speed bump made of [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]]]
[[File:Ležeći policajac 016.jpg|thumb|right|Speed bump made of [[rubber]]]]
A speed bump is also known as a ''sleeping policeman'' in [[British English]], [[Maltese English]] and [[Caribbean English]], a ''judder bar'' in [[New Zealand English]], and a ''lying-down policeman'' in [[Colombia]], [[Dominican Republic]], [[Hungary]], [[Croatia]], [[Serbia]], [[Estonia]], [[Lithuania]], [[Slovenia]], [[Bulgaria]] and [[Russia]]. A speed bump is a bump in a roadway with heights typically ranging between {{convert|3|and|4|in|cm|0|order=flip}}. The traverse distance of a speed bump is typically less than or near to {{cvt|1|ft|m|1|order=flip}}; contrasting with the wider speed humps, which typically have a traverse distance of {{cvt|10|to|14|ft|m|1|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |author = ITE |title = Traffic Calming Measures |url = http://www.ite.org/traffic/hump.asp |publisher = Institute of Transportation Engineers |access-date = 2014-09-09 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170729064350/http://www.ite.org/traffic/hump.asp |archive-date = 2017-07-29 |url-status = dead}}</ref><ref name="trafficcalming.org speedhumps">{{cite web |title=Speed Humps (Road Humps, Undulations) |url=http://www.trafficcalming.org/speedhumps.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209053906/http://www.trafficcalming.org/speedhumps.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2008-12-09 |publisher=Fehr & Peers }}</ref>

Speed bumps are used in parking lots and on small-neighborhood roads where space and cost are limited. They are being replaced by Speed Humps (discussed in this Wikipedia section) in higher-traffic areas where speed bumps would be ineffective because bumps are mere blips to law-breaking speeders, while law-abiding drivers must slow to far below the speed limit to avoid large vehicle accelerations and displacements. These are the counter-productive results produced by unavoidable dynamic vehicle response. (See https://lindberglce.com/tech/Worst_Roads.PDF).

Because of these counter-productive responses, speed bumps traversals of at least 2 m (about 5 ft.) with smooth approach and exit should be used wherever possible.

Speed bumps vary in length, but it is typical to leave space between the bump and either edge of an enclosed road (i.e. with curbs and gutters) to allow for drainage. Spaces on either side may also allow more expedient passage for emergency vehicles, though effectiveness will depend on the type of vehicle and specific road design.

===Disadvantages===
[[Local authority|Local authorities]] have cited disadvantages to speed bumps:
*The city of [[Modesto, California|Modesto]] in California, produced a [[fact sheet]] which contains the following disadvantages:<ref>{{cite web|title=Speed Hump Fact Sheet |url=http://www.modestogov.com/ced/pdf/traffic/speedhump.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327051147/http://www.modestogov.com/ced/pdf/traffic/speedhump.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-03-27 |publisher=City of Modesto |access-date=2014-03-14 }}</ref>
** Slow response time of emergency vehicles;
** May divert traffic to parallel residential streets; and
** Possible increase in noise and pollution for residents living immediately adjacent to the speed bumps.
* The English town of [[Eastleigh]] states the following as disadvantages:<ref>{{cite web|title=Speed Limits and Reduction: Speed Humps |url=http://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ebc-3053#humps |publisher=Eastleigh Borough Council |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927075215/http://www.eastleigh.gov.uk/ebc-3053 |archive-date=September 27, 2006 }}</ref>
** Can cause damage to some vehicles;
** Can increase traffic noise, especially when [[large goods vehicle]]s pass by;
** Required signs, street lighting and white lines may be visually intrusive;
** Can cause discomfort for drivers and passengers;
** Can cause problems for emergency services and buses.

Other sources argue that speed bumps:
* Distract drivers from other hazards such as children
* Increase pollution as traffic travels in a lower gear using significantly more fuel per mile;
* Are a compromise for more active enforcement;
* Increase noise by creating tire-to-bump thumping and increasing the amount of engine-revving;
* Cause spinal damage<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/3084331.stm|publisher=BBC|title=Like it or lump it: Is the speed hump here to stay?| date=July 22, 2003 | access-date=January 4, 2010}}</ref> and aggravate chronic backache.

In 2003, the chairman of the London Ambulance Service, Sigurd Reinton claimed that delays caused by speed bumps were responsible for up to 500 avoidable deaths from cardiac arrest each year. He later denied the statement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Transport Committee Minutes 11/12/2003|date = 11 December 2003|url=http://www.london.gov.uk/moderngov/CeListDocuments.aspx?CommitteeId=173&MeetingId=3967&DF=11%2f12%2f2003&Ver=2|publisher=London Assembly|access-date=2014-03-14}}</ref>

In Sweden, an evaluation of spinal stress in bus drivers against ISO 2631-5 required on health grounds that:<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dynamicmeasurementsolutions.com/Articles/imacXXVI230__BRA.pdf|publisher=Society for Experimental Mechanics, IMAC XXVI Conference and Exposition on Structural Dynamics|title=Bus Drivers' Exposure To Mechanical Shocks Due To Speed Bumps|author=Dr Anders Brandt & MSc Johan Granlund, Swedish Road Administration|year=2008|access-date=June 2, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710160659/http://www.dynamicmeasurementsolutions.com/Articles/imacXXVI230__BRA.pdf|archive-date=July 10, 2011}}</ref>
* bus drivers avoid certain streets until the humps were modified; and
* the maximum acceptable speed be reduced to {{convert|10|km/h|mph m/s}} on one street for drivers encountering 150 humps in a day.

Speed bumps can also have adverse environmental impact. A study found that in one north London street with a speed limit of {{convert|20|mph|km/h m/s}} and fitted with road humps, a petrol driven car produced 64 per cent more nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) than in a similar {{convert|20|mph|km/h m/s}} street fitted with road cushions. It also produced 47 per cent more particulate matter (PM) and nearly 60 per cent more carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/01/speed-bumps-could-removed-cut-traffic-pollution-save-lives/|publisher=Telegraph|title=Speed bumps could be removed to cut traffic pollution and save lives|date=1 December 2016|access-date=23 April 2021}}</ref> Another study estimated that, for a private automobile, the increase in fuel consumption due a pass over a speed bump is responsible for fuel waste of 10ml.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Jazcilevich |first1=Aron |last2=Mares Vázquez |first2=José María |last3=Ramírez |first3=Pablo López |last4=Péreza |first4=Irma Rosas |title=Economic-environmental analysis of traffic-calming devices |journal=Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment |date=May 2015 |volume=36 |pages=86–95 |doi=10.1016/j.trd.2015.02.010 |bibcode=2015TRPD...36...86J |url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136192091500019X |access-date=23 April 2021|url-access=subscription }}</ref> This multiplied with the number of vehicles going over a particular speed bump every day suggests significant annual fuel wastage for a single speed bump.

===Dynamic speed bumps===
Dynamic speed bumps differ from conventional speed bumps in that they only activate if a vehicle is traveling above a certain speed. Vehicles traveling below this speed will not experience the discomfort of a conventional speed bump. Dynamic speed bumps may allow the passage of [[emergency vehicle]]s at higher speeds.

The [[Actibump]] system, successfully used in Sweden, is based on powered equipment integrated into the road surface, which operates a platform that is lowered a few centimeters when a speeding vehicle approaches. Any vehicle approaching at or under the speed limit will pass on a level road. The system measures the speed of an oncoming vehicle by using radar.<ref>{{cite web|title=Actibump|url=http://www.actibump.com|publisher=Edeva|access-date=2016-12-01}}</ref>

In another design, a rubber housing is fitted with a [[pressure relief valve]] that determines the speed of a vehicle. If the vehicle is traveling below the set speed, the valve opens allowing the bump to deflate as the vehicle drives over it, but it remains closed if the vehicle is traveling too fast. The valve can also be set to allow heavy vehicles, such as [[Fire apparatus|fire trucks]], [[ambulance]]s, and [[bus]]es to cross at higher speeds.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1178 |journal=New Scientist |title=Smart speed bumps reward safe drivers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070326103037/http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1178 |archive-date=March 26, 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1867157,00.html |work=The Times |title=Smart' road hump will smooth the way for safe drivers |location=London |first=Shirley |last=English |date=November 11, 2005 |access-date=May 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060113164245/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0%2C%2C2-1867157%2C00.html |archive-date=January 13, 2006 }}</ref>

==Speed humps==
[[File:Asphalt Speed Hump.jpg|thumb|right|Speed hump made of [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]]]]
A '''speed hump''' (also called a '''road hump''', or '''undulation''',<ref name="ITE">{{cite web|author=ITE |title=Traffic Calming Measures – Speed Hump |url=http://www.ite.org/traffic/hump.htm |publisher=Institute of Transportation Engineers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320152041/http://www.ite.org/traffic/hump.htm |archive-date=March 20, 2007 }}</ref> and '''speed ramp''') is a rounded [[traffic calming]] device used to reduce vehicle speed and thus sound volume on residential streets. Humps are placed across the road to slow traffic and are often installed in a series of several humps to prevent cars from speeding before and after the hump. Common speed hump shapes are [[parabola|parabolic]], circular, and [[Sine wave|sinusoidal]].<ref name="ITE"/> In [[Norway]], speed humps are often placed at pedestrian crossings.

Generally, speed humps have a traverse distance of about {{cvt|12|to|14|ft|m|1|order=flip|}} and span the width of the road. The height of each hump ranges from {{cvt|3|to|4|in|cm|0|order=flip}}.<ref name="ITE"/> The traverse distance and height of each hump determines the speed at which traffic will travel over the devices. Shorter traverse lengths and greater heights slow cars most drastically. When placed in a series {{cvt|350|-|550|ft|order=flip}} apart, humps will reduce 85th percentile speeds by {{cvt|8|-|10|mph|order=flip}}.<ref>{{cite web |last=Partington |first=Peter |title=Speed Humps |url=http://www.trafficcalming.net/speed_humps.htm |publisher=Trafficcalming.net |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518034342/http://www.trafficcalming.net/speed_humps.htm |archive-date=2024-05-18 |url-status=live |access-date=2014-03-14 }}</ref>

Warning signs should be used to notify approaching motorists of upcoming humps. Humps generally have pavement markings to enhance visibility and a taper edge near the curb to allow a gap for drainage.<ref name="ITE"/>

Speed humps are used in locations where low speeds are desired and suitable for the surrounding traffic environment.<ref name="trafficcalming.org speedhumps" /> Speed humps are typically placed on residential roads and are not used on major roads, bus routes, or primary emergency response routes. Placement is generally mid-block between intersections.

===Results===
Speed humps typically limit vehicle speeds to about {{cvt|15|-|20|mph|round=5|order=flip}} at the hump and {{cvt|25|-|30|mph|round=5|order=flip}} at the midpoint between humps, depending on spacing. Studies show an average 18% reduction in traffic volume and an average 13% reduction in collisions.<ref name="ITE"/>

=== Comparison to speed bumps ===
While similar to speed bumps, humps are less aggressive than speed bumps at low speeds. Humps are often used on streets, while bumps are used more in parking lots.<ref>{{cite web|title=SPEED BUMPS AND SPEED HUMPS|url=http://www.cga.ct.gov/2006/rpt/2006-r-0567.htm|publisher=www.cga.ct.gov|access-date=9 June 2013}}</ref> While speed bumps generally slow cars to {{cvt|5|-|10|mph|round=5|order=flip}}, humps slow cars to {{cvt|15|-|20|mph|round=5|order=flip}}. The narrow traverse distance of speed bumps often allows vehicles to pass over them at high speed with only mild disturbance to the wheels and suspension, and hardly affecting the vehicle cab and its occupants. The relatively long slopes of speed humps are less disruptive at low&ndash;moderate speeds, but they create a greater, more sustained vertical deflection; at higher speeds, a more sustained deflection is less-absorbed by vehicle suspensions and has a greater effect on the vehicle as a whole.<ref>{{cite web|title=Speed Humps vs. Speed Bumps|url=http://www.maine.gov/mdot/csd/mlrc/technical/shsb.htm|publisher=www.maine.gov|access-date=9 June 2013|archive-date=27 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627171125/http://www.maine.gov/mdot/csd/mlrc/technical/shsb.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Problems===
One problematic aspect of speed humps is their effect on [[emergency vehicles]]. Response time is slowed by 3&ndash;5 seconds per hump for [[Fire apparatus|fire trucks and fire engines]] and up to 10 seconds for [[ambulances]] with patients on board.<ref name="ITE"/> Speed humps are thus usually not placed on primary response routes. Speed cushions may be placed on these routes instead.

Occasionally, there is an increase in traffic noise from [[braking]] and [[acceleration]] of vehicles on streets with speed humps, particularly from buses and trucks. Other effects include increased fuel consumption and emissions{{Citation needed|date=April 2020}} as well as increased wear and tear on brakes, engine and suspension components.

Damage caused by [[snow plow]]s during the winter months is an additional concern.

Heavy [[sedan (car)|sedan]]s, [[Pickup truck|trucks]], and [[Sport utility vehicle|SUV]]s are less affected by speed humps, and may not have to slow down as dramatically.

Thin cuts are sometimes placed in the middle of a hump in order to allow [[bicycle]] traffic to pass through. However, forcing cyclists to take a particular line on the road compromises their ability to position themselves safely according to the other traffic on the road at the time.

==Speed cushions==
[[File:Rubber speed cushions.jpg|thumb|right|Speed cushions in Canada. Gaps allow wide-track emergency vehicles to pass at higher speeds than they can through other traffic calming devices like speed bumps.]]
'''Speed cushions''' are a type of speed hump installation designed to alleviate the negative impacts that vertical deflections have on emergency vehicle response times. Speed cushions installations are typically made up of several small speed humps installed across the width of the road with spaces between them. They force normal cars to slow down as they ride with one or both wheels over the humps. Meanwhile, they allow fire engines (and other large vehicles) with wider axles to straddle the cushions without slowing down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nacto.org/docs/usdg/study_speed_humps_speed_slots_and_speed_cushions_johnson.pdf|title=A Comparative Study of Speed Humps, Speed Slots and Speed Cushions|access-date=2016-06-03|archive-date=2015-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010121351/http://nacto.org/docs/usdg/study_speed_humps_speed_slots_and_speed_cushions_johnson.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://nacto.org/docs/usdg/speed_cushions_grossepoint.pdf|title="SPEED CUSHIONS" A TRAFFIC CALMING TECHNIQUE|access-date=2016-06-03|archive-date=2015-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321095205/http://nacto.org/docs/usdg/speed_cushions_grossepoint.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Wider, American-style ambulances might also be able to straddle speed cushions. However, in Europe and Australia, where vehicles like the [[Mercedes-Benz Sprinter]] are used most frequently as ambulances, there is no advantage. In these jurisdictions, narrower speed cushions are sometimes placed between lanes to allow ambulances to pass unobstructed while driving over the [[Road surface marking|centre line]] during an emergency.

===Advantages===
Speed cushions have several distinct advantages over similar [[traffic calming]] devices. Many [[municipalities]] are challenged by opposition to speed humps and speed tables since they slow down [[emergency vehicles]] and buses. Speed cushions address this problem by allowing larger vehicles to straddle the cushion without slowing down. This is also an advantage for [[bus]]es, as lower floor vehicles can sometimes ground out on traditional humps.<ref name="Layfield-1998">{{cite journal |last1=Layfield |first1=R E |last2=Parry |first2=D I |title=Traffic calming — speed cushion schemes |date=1998|website=Transport Research Laboratory | issn = 0968-4107 | url=https://trl.co.uk/uploads/trl/documents/TRL312.pdf|access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref>
Speed cushions are often less costly than speed humps or tables, and most cities report them to be just as effective. In some jurisdictions, narrower speed cushions are placed at more frequent intervals to allow ambulances to pass while driving over the centre line. Large trucks are also not slowed down.

=== Use in North America and Europe ===
Development of speed cushions has focused primarily on the European context. European vehicles typically have a narrower track width than American vehicles, meaning their left and right wheels are closer together. Emergency vehicles still feature a wide track width, and the difference between them makes speed cushions more applicable. 

In North America, however, consumer vehicles have a track width of {{convert|50|-|59|in|order=flip}}. Many emergency vehicles are also equipped with dual tires on their rear axles. The additional tires limit track width to as narrow as {{convert|48|in|order=flip}}, meaning speed cushions may not be suitable for their intended use.{{citation needed|reason=European track width should be listed as a comparison with US track width|date=August 2023}}

== Speed tables ==
[[File:Kerb Extension Nuffield Street.jpg|thumb|right|A less intrusive table in Auckland, New Zealand, which sacrifices some height and visual effect for integration into a high-quality road finish area. Note that part of the traffic calming effect is reached here via rough cobble stones.]]
A '''speed table''' (also called a '''bus-friendly hump''', '''flat top hump''', or '''raised pedestrian crossing''') is designed as a long speed hump with a flat section in the middle. Speed tables are generally long enough for the entire [[wheelbase]] of a passenger car to rest on top.<ref name="ite.org">{{cite web|author=ITE |title=Traffic Calming Measures |url=http://www.ite.org/traffic/table.htm |publisher=Institute of Transportation Engineers |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414214406/http://www.ite.org/traffic/table.htm |archive-date=April 14, 2008 }}</ref> The long, flat design allows cars to pass without slowing as significantly as with speed humps or cushions.<ref name="trafficcalming.org speed-tables">{{cite web |author=trafficcalming.org|title=Speed Tables|url=http://trafficcalming.org/measures/speed-tables/ |publisher=Fehr and Peers |access-date=2014-03-14}}{{dead link|date=May 2025}}</ref> Because they slow cars less than similar devices, speed tables are often used on roads with typical residential speed limits.

Speed tables can also be signed as [[pedestrian crossing]]s, namely [[zebra crossing]]s. A raised zebra crossing is referred to as a  '''wombat  crossing''' in Australia.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/wombat-crossings-reduce-pedestrian-casualties-by-63-per-cent-says-new-study-20170516-gw5w2k.html|title='Wombat crossings' reduce pedestrian casualties by 63 per cent says new study|last=Power|first=Julie|date=May 16, 2017|website=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=March 25, 2019}}</ref> Other road features may be included, such as [[Junction (traffic)|junctions]], or even [[Roundabout|mini-roundabouts]]. Speed tables are used with zebra crossings repeatedly in [[Leighton Buzzard]].

===Results===
Typical speeds resulting from {{convert|22|ft|m|0|order=flip|adj=on}} speed tables are {{convert|20|-|30|mph|km/h|order=flip}}. One sample of 8 sites found a 45% decrease in accidents per year with the use of speed tables.<ref name="trafficcalming.org speed-tables"/> Wombat crossings may reduce casualties by 63%.<ref name=":0" />

===Advantages===
Speed tables are effective in calming traffic on streets where the speed limit needs to be maintained rather than slowing cars more significantly. Traffic speed, volumes, and accidents have been shown to decrease with the use of tables. Although not as responsive to emergency vehicles as speed cushions, speed tables cause less of a delay than humps and are typically preferred by fire departments over speed humps.<ref name="ite.org"/>

==In the United Kingdom==
In the UK, vertical deflection in highways for the purpose of [[traffic calming]] typically takes one of the following forms:
* Road humps are the most common variety, and are usually round-topped.
* Speed tables, a type of hump with a central plateau which is both long and broad, and which may include a [[pedestrian crossing]], junction or roundabout, are preferred by some emergency services and bus operators.
* Speed cushions, a raised portion of road with a flat top only extending over part of the carriageway's width, are used singly, in a [[Curb extension|pinch point]], or in pairs or triples.
* [[Rumble strip]]s, uneven road surfaces, are now only used in rural areas and retail parks because of the noise.

The [[Department for Transport]] defines the regulations for the design and use of road humps.<ref>{{cite web
|publisher=UK Department of Transport
|url=http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si1999/uksi_19991025_en.pdf
|title=Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 (replacing the 1996 regulations)
}}</ref>

===Opposition===
Speed bumps in some areas have been removed after protests by local residents. Such protests cite the lack of any consultation as one factor.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/67775/speed_humps_dumped_after_protest.html
|publisher=[[Auto Express]]
|title=Speed humps dumped after protest
}}</ref> For example, complaints from [[Derby]] residents prompted the removal of 146 speed bumps from streets at a cost of £460,000. Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere in the UK.<ref>{{cite news
|url=http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/article994719.ece
|work=The Times
|title=Bumps: Britain gets the hump
| location=London
| date=October 19, 2003
| access-date=May 23, 2010
}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> UK news sources reported a cyclist being killed in a crash while attempting to avoid a speed bump.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/2691/Crash_victim_s_family_may_file_civil_action.html |publisher=Strathspey & Badenoch Herald |title=Crash victim's family may file civil action }}{{Dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Breakover angle]]
* [[Glossary of road transport terms]]
* [[Road surface marking]]
* [[Rumble strip]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Speed bumps}}
*[https://unimattraffic-usa.com/blog/page/2 Speed Bumps]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19970117044955/http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks/rwspdhmp.htm Questions and Answers about Speed Humps]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20010306131244/http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/roadworks/cushions.htm City of Austin Speed Cushion Description]
*[http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20081023012419/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/tpm/tal/trafficmanagement/speedcushions?page=2 UK Department for Transport Speed Cushion Description]
* [[London Assembly]], [https://web.archive.org/web/20120823071545/http://www.london.gov.uk/who-runs-london/the-london-assembly/publications/transport/londons-got-hump London's got the hump], April 2004. An examination of speed humps conducted by the London Assembly’s Transport Committee.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170729060600/http://www.ite.org/traffic/table.asp Institute of Transportation Engineers Speed Table Description]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927000214/http://www.transalt.org/press/magazine/042Spring/12speedhumps.html Speed Humps Protect Children from Injury]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120213081715/http://www.students.bucknell.edu/projects/trafficcalming/Measures/SpeedHump.html Speed Hump Description]

{{Vertical deflection traffic calming devices}}
{{Road types}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Traffic calming]]
[[Category:Road infrastructure]]
[[Category:Road safety]]
[[Category:Road transport]]
[[Category:Transportation planning]]
[[Category:Road hazards]]