A speed cushion is a form of road hump, occupying part of the traffic lane in which it is installed. Speed cushions are generally located in pairs, arranged transversely across the carriageway, but single cushions centrally positioned between build cuts, "three abreast" versions, and double pair arrangements have also been used. Speed cushions were notable features within some of the early traffic calming projects in Germany. The theory was that they would cause less interference to larger vehicles such as buses and emergency vehicles, but still reduce the speed of cars. Amendments were made to the Highways Act 1980 by the Road Traffic Act 1991, allowing the Secretary of State to authorise the use of road humps which do not conform to the requirements of the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1990. This change in the legislation has enabled non standard road humps such as speed cushions to be authorised for use on public roads. (A)
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