Speed Humps

[MikeB]

If you hate Council jobsworths and also are incensed at the ever-increasing number of speed humps that are around, I may have stumbled on something that might just possibly have a beneficial effect on both. I have found on the internet a copy of Statutory Instrument 1990 No. 703, The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990  and am presently using it to make my local Council check all the humps on one particular road to ensure they comply. If you have good reason to believe that any humps in your area may not comply with the regulations the local council has an obligation to investigate. This of course takes time and they don’t like it.

Just a thought!

[Blatman]

My local council has started a programme of *removing* speed humps in the borough......

I nearly fell off my chair when I saw the piece on the BBC local news. They'll be getting *lots* of votes in the up-coming council elections..........

[Guest]

Could anyone explain the law on these.  A village near us has installed cobbled humps, the first of which are in the derestricted road, some 100 yds and round a bend before the 30 limit signs.  Fortunately I hit them in my Focus, not the Westy, but surely they rank as an illegal obstruction of something.

John

[MikeB]

Could anyone explain the law on these

Have look at THIS. Its all in there somewhere.

[XTR2Turbo]

I hate them and they seem to be increasing.  What I don't understand is why they fit such massive ramps when the most efective (and cheapest) are the thin black strips often in homebase car parks.  Any car will get over them but tehy a viscious for all vehicles at speed.

David

[XTR2Turbo]

This is great

It suggests that the maximum height should be 100mm with 12mm tolerance.

Near me (St Albans) there are speed ramps atleast twice that.  I have grounded the jag - they will be a complete no go zone for the westfield.

I will be writing to The council at the weekend

I think everyone should do the same.

David

[oldman]

Famous equation......speedhumps= Knackered thermostat housing + loads of grief

On the otherhand if they have saved just one life ,then......speedhump=anything

[XTR2Turbo]

I'm not against speed ramps but the design that is most effective at controlling speed but passable by all cars is not generally used.  

David

[pistonbroke]

Company I work for just sold some low level fuel gauge sender units to the local fire brigade !

Why?

because the local fire brigade have been damaging there petrol tanks on the oversize humps.In danger of  ripping the fuel tank open, so they have to be re- designed and smaller tanks fitted!!!

Good idea to attend a fire with petrol dripping from the fire truck !

The world gets madder

[XTR2Turbo]

Couldn't wait till the weekend.

I have sent this:

**************************

Dear Sirs

I live in Redbourn and regularly travel into St Albans.

I have become increasingly frustrated by what I think are poorly designed speed bumps and according to this document possibly not in accordance with legislation.

http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si1990/Uksi_19900703_en_1.htm

I think the speed bumps are too high therefore making it difficult, or in some cases impossible (Camp Road for example) for many perfectly legal and SVA compliant sportscars to pass.

Further I think that the design is not optimal because they are easily navigated at speed by many family cars. I contrast with the compact speed bumps that have been installed at the local Homebase superstore that are very effective at controlling speed but are a mere 60 mm high and can be passed by all vehicles.

I ask that you confirm back to me in writing that all speed ramps in St Albans and the surrounding area are fully compliant with prevailing legislation and where not what corrective measures will be taken.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Regards

****************************

I will post the reply !!!!

David

[windy]

Much easier to get yourself a lease car. I have to go along a humped road every day to work & it's great when you don't have to slow down. Swap it for another new car after 5 months & you have a fresh set of dampers all over again  

[MikeB]

Couldn't wait till the weekend.

I have sent this:

This is the one I did as It also seems that you can e-mail as well as write in these days.

"I am informed by the Highways help desk that by sending you this e-mail you can provide me with the information that I require.

I would like you to confirm that your speed humps in Sonning, particularly but not specifically the last one leaving Sonning from Thames Street at the beginning of Charvil Lane B478, are in compliance with the relevant statutory instrument 1990 no 703, The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990. There are at least two humps where cars ground themselves and the evidence is apparent for anyone to see suggesting that the council is in breach of its obligation to have these humps properly constructed.

I await your reply with interest."

It definitely hit the spot!

[DanB]

Hhhmmm, I wouldn't refer to the 1990 regulations.  They were superceded by the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1996 (SI 1996/1483) which were in turn superceded by the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999.

[MikeB]

Hhhmmm, I wouldn't refer to the 1990 regulations

Well spotted as a certain TV character would say. I have read all the amendments and the basics still apply in terms of dimensions and elevation as I see it. It looks like there have been changes to lighting and positioning mostly.