Abstract
This article examines the use of speed humps in UK roads. Areas with a twenty miles per hour speed limit commonly require traffic calming measures to encourage drivers to keep to the limit. In some places speed cushions are favoured as these allow wider vehicles to straddle them. Although speed humps reduce traffic noise from small vehicles, they cause an increase in lorry noise. Motorcyclists sometimes find the humps dangerous where they are difficult to see: injuries can be caused. Vehicle damage is also reported, especially if the humps are not properly installed, and there is some concern about vibration damage to nearby buildings. However, the benefits in reduction of deaths and injuries is seen as outweighing the disadvantages.