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| Why is it important that we have speed tables - not cushions? |
| All the evidence shows that cars, buses and lorries speed over speed cushions, but slow down for speed tables - also known as humps. |
"Speed cushions might not be entirely suitable for 20 mph zones"
Urban street activity in 20 mph zones - Ayres Road Area, Old Trafford , Department for Transport, Dec 2000 |
But North Yorkshire County Council has scrapped its original plans for speed tables outside Easingwold Community Primary School - and it wants to replace them with speed cushions which will allow lorries and buses to carry on speeding. You can read about our mysterious vanishing speed tables.
The Department for Transport publishes the following advice to local councils: |
"The speed controlling/reducing characteristics of [speed cushions] can be much less than that of round or flat-top humps. Therefore, using these devices extensively within a 20 mph zone may not result in an acceptable reduction in speed levels."
Department for Transport Traffic Advisory Leaflet, September 1999
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Hull City Council has done some pioneering work on 20mph zones - and has published its findings on speed humps versus speed cushions. Full details are in our 'Hull's experience' page.
Hull City Council's experience shows that the lowest average speeds are reached in 20mph zones that include speed tables. |
"Whilst speed cushions can reduce and control vehicle speeds, they do not match the effect of flat or round top road humps."
Speed Cushion Schemes, Department for Transport, September 1999 |
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Low speeds are important: according to Government statistics only 2.5% of pedestrians are killed in accidents where the vehicle is travelling at 20mph. But 20% of pedestrians hit by a car travelling at 30mph will be killed. And Government research shows that average speeds must be below 20mph for people to feel safe enough to use the road:
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"If changes in activity [eg walking, cycling, playing] are to be achieved then it is important that in 20mph zones .. speeds need to be reduced to 20mph or below."
Urban street activity in 20 mph zones - Seedley, Salford, Department for Transport, March 2001 |
| It would seem that the case for speed tables outside Easingwold Community Primary School - as the council originally planned - is clear cut. See 'The vanishing tables' for more information. |
