I refer to your recent enquiry, seeking information relating to road humps within the (area), and wish to make the following comments.
These traffic calming measures were installed in 2003, at the request of residents, who were very concerned about vehicles rat running at speed through the estate, particularly those accessing the A580 East Lancashire Road.
Unfortunately, I am not able to provide you with a detailed list of measurements for each feature in that particular area, as the information is simply not available. However, I can advise that all traffic calming features within St Helens, are designed and constructed in accordance with national guidance and specifications at the time, and if negotiated at an appropriate speed, should not cause any significant problems. Indeed, many of these features have been in place for nearly ten years now, and I am not aware of any similar such problems.
Evidence suggests that the schemes already in place within the Borough have been greatly successful in reducing vehicle speeds/”rat running”, and improving highway safety generally. There has already been a significant reduction in recorded injury accidents within the areas treated, and it is likely that more such schemes will be implemented in the future within the
Borough, as demand for such remains reasonably high.
Additionally, for information, there has historically been a consistency problem with the construction of such measures, as they are essentially formed by hand on site. There is a tolerance within which both the height and gradient of these features must be constructed, but occasionally in the past, adjacent features may have been constructed towards “each end” of the allowable tolerance, thus exaggerating the difference between individual features.
This is a national issue and not something unique to St Helens. As local Highway Authorities and Contractors gain more experience of implementing such schemes, consistency between individual features is greatly improving.
The Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1996, and the more recent 1999 Regulations, specifies the legal requirements for the construction of such features, the maximum height of which should not exceed 100 mm. They are generally installed at 75 mm, but the allowable tolerance means that this height is sometimes exceeded. I am not aware of any exceeding the maximum permissible height (100mm.
If you require any more detailed information about such matters, I would advise you to refer to these regulations, which may be of interest to you.
I hope this helps to clarify matters for you.
Regards
Mr X
Head of Traffic Engineering
Traffic & UTC Consultancy.
