Speed Hump Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Above location: Speed hump on Victoria Avenue, Windsor, Ontario.
What are speed humps?

A speed hump is a traffic calming measure that utilizes vertical deflection on the pavement of a street to slow vehicles.

Why install speed humps?

Speed humps are designed to reduce vehicular speed on residential local streets that have a single travel lane in each direction.

The goals of the program are to:

Slow traffic speeds
Address speeding and reckless driving
Create a safe neighbourhood environment

What should we expect with speed humps?

Speed humps are installed at regular intervals along one or more blocks of a street and are accompanied by signs and pavement markings. Speed humps reduce vehicular speeds and are especially effective at mitigating aggressive speeding.

What are the advantages of speed humps?

Speed humps are an effective tool in reducing speeds, as most drivers will slow down to avoid jarring their vehicle.
Some drivers may choose another route to avoid the speed humps.
Installation does not require the removal of parking spaces.
Speed humps have a minimal impact on cyclists.
Speed humps have a minimal impact on snow clearing.

What are the disadvantages of speed humps?

Longer travel times
Increased air pollution and fuel consumption with vehicles braking more frequently
An increase in noise as vehicles pass over them and accelerate
An increase in emergency vehicle response times

What happens after speed humps are installed?

Speed humps will not be removed from the roadway once they are installed. If a road reconstruction is planned for the street, residents may have the option to request removal of the speed humps (if most of the residents wish).

How can I request speed humps?

Residents can make a request for traffic calming on their street by calling 311 or contacting 311@citywindsor.ca via email.

What are the dimensions of the speed humps?

The approximate height is 80 millimetres (3 inches) from the top of the asphalt/road. The hump is 4 metres (13 feet) long and spans curb to curb.

Can the speed humps on our street be made higher or lower?

No, speed humps in the city of Windsor follow a consistent standard; they are 4 metres (13 feet) long and 80 millimetres (3 inches) high. The City found these dimensions to be the best compromise, being severe enough to slow most vehicles but also being forgiving enough not to excessively impact emergency response times.

Where will the speed humps be placed?

There are many factors that must be reviewed to determine the quantity and location of speed humps on a street. Therefore, the number and location of speed humps are undetermined until after a survey has passed, the specific street has been studied, and all factors have been reviewed.

Will the speed humps be placed in front of my driveway?

No, the speed humps will not be placed in front of any driveways; the speed humps will be placed a minimum of 1.5 metres (5 feet) from the edge of driveways. The exact distance is determined on site, depending on the conditions.

How many speed humps will there be on my street?

How far apart are the speed humps placed?

Approximately 60 to 250 metres (66 to 273 yards) of spacing is required between the speed humps. However, the spacing will vary depending on the street, as each street has different limitations that will affect the spacing.

Where will the speed hump signs be located?

Signs will be located on both sides of the speed humps for each direction in the middle of the speed hump.

Where on-street parking is permitted, can you park your vehicle on a speed hump?

Yes.

Do speed humps affect snow plowing?

No, speed humps are gradually sloped so that snowplow blades can go over without damage to them or the pavement surface.

Can you put a stop sign instead of a speed hump?

No, stop signs are not an appropriate measure for speed control. Therefore, for speed control, other measures are reviewed, such as speed humps.

Are the speed humps the same as the bumps in the mall parking lots?

No, they are not the same; a speed hump is a gradual slope that is 4 metres (13 feet) in length, and the speed bump at the mall is an abrupt raised area that is typically not installed on public roadways.

What is the speed that we are expected to maintain over the speed hump?

A speed hump is intended to have drivers drive over the hump comfortably at the posted speed limit. Drivers should not have to lower their speed below the posted speed limit to drive over the speed hump comfortably. In addition, we cannot control those who drive the speed hump above the posted speed limit. However, this will not be comfortable for most vehicles.

Can I ride comfortably over the speed hump with my bicycle?

Yes, a cyclist should be able to ride over the speed hump comfortably at moderate speed.