In residential estates, complexes, schools and business parks, a few drivers going too fast can make a road feel unsafe for everyone. A well-designed speed hump slows traffic consistently without damaging cars or annoying residents. A badly shaped one launches cars, scrapes bumpers and gets driven around on the verge. We build asphalt speed humps that do the job properly.
Speed humps, bumps and tables
The terms get used loosely, but the shapes are different:
- Speed humps are longer and gentler, typically a few metres across. They slow traffic to a comfortable residential speed and are the usual choice in estates.
- Speed bumps are short and sharp. They slow cars to walking pace and are uncomfortable. They suit parking areas and loading zones more than through roads.
- Raised tables or crossings have a flat top and are often combined with a pedestrian crossing, for example outside a clubhouse or a school entrance.
We help you choose the right type for each location, based on the speed you want, the vehicles using the road and where people walk.
How we build them
- Set out. We mark the position and shape, checking sightlines, driveways, manholes and drainage.
- Prepare. The existing surface is cleaned and, where needed, cut back so the hump ties in neatly.
- Tack coat. A bitumen tack coat is applied so the new asphalt bonds firmly to the road.
- Lay and shape. Hot asphalt is placed and shaped to a consistent profile using a template, then compacted.
- Drainage. We make sure water can still flow along the channel, leaving a gap or adding a pipe where needed so the hump does not dam water.
- Markings and signs. The hump is painted with high-visibility road markings and we can supply and install warning signs.
Where speed humps work best
- At the entrance to a complex, just inside the gate
- Near clubhouses, play areas and pedestrian paths
- On long straight estate roads where traffic tends to speed up
- Near school entrances, drop-off zones and sports fields
- In business parks and parking areas with lots of pedestrians
Spacing matters. Humps placed too far apart let drivers speed up between them. Placed too close, they become a nuisance. We recommend a layout based on the length and character of the road.
Approvals for estates and complexes
In a sectional title complex or home owners’ association, speed humps are usually approved by the trustees or board, and sometimes need to follow the estate’s architectural or road guidelines. We can provide a simple layout drawing and quote to support your approval process.
On public roads, residents cannot install their own speed humps. Requests must go through the municipality.
Combine with other road work
If your estate roads also need attention, it is efficient to do several jobs while we are on site: pothole repairs, crack sealing, re-marking and new speed humps. See our road construction page for larger upgrades.
Speed humps and emergency vehicles
Estate and complex roads must still be passable for ambulances, fire engines and refuse trucks. Humps that are too steep slow emergency response and can damage larger vehicles. A properly profiled hump slows cars to a safe speed while allowing larger vehicles to cross at a steady pace. Where a road is a main access route, we often recommend a longer, gentler profile or a raised table instead of a short, sharp bump.
Maintaining speed humps
Speed hump markings wear quickly because every vehicle crosses them. Repainting them when they fade keeps them visible, especially at night. Check the edges where the hump meets the road, as small cracks here should be sealed before they open up.
Get a quote
Tell us how many humps you need and where, or ask us to recommend a layout. We will visit, measure and send a written quote within 24 hours.