Traffic calming devices are critical for ensuring that vehicles and road users maintain appropriate speeds and road safety is enhanced on streets throughout Perth. Our expertise in the civil construction sector allows us to provide informed recommendations and solutions tailored to the unique needs of this industry.
Traffic control equipment like calming devices not only manage vehicle speeds but also improve safety for all road users, including motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, contributing to a more pleasant living environment by minimising noise and air pollution.
At Claremont Asphalt, our range of traffic control devices and installation services are industry leading and apart from being great for traffic management, our solutions are durable, affordable and reliable.
So what are the different traffic control management devices available? What do you need to consider before engaging a business to carry out your speed bump installation or other traffic calming device?
Exploring Traffic Control Devices
1. Speed Bumps – Asphalt and Rubber
Speed bump installation is the most common strategy for controlling vehicles on the road.
These obstacles encourage drivers to reduce their speed as they risk damage to their vehicle and injury to themselves should they not. Most commonly used in parking lots, private roads and residential areas, speed bumps are designed to bring driving down to a speed of 5-10 kilometres per hour (km/h) and help prevent accidents by reducing the risk of collisions.
Most speed bumps are made from asphalt or rubber and while both options work, if the bump is not properly designed, installed and maintained even compliant vehicles risk being damaged.
2. Speed Bumps – Plastic
Plastic speed bump installation achieves the same objective as its asphalt and rubber counterparts but is more commonly used in temporary settings. These can include parking situations for events, commercial applications or even some residential contexts.
Plastic speed bumps need to be constructed from a high-density plastic to ensure durability in use and often feature reflective strips and a reflective collar to ensure clear visibility for motorists.
While less effective for heavy-duty applications, which require asphalt speed bumps, plastic bumps can be easy to install and remove, highly durable, and weather-resistant. However, the initial cost of installation can often be higher.
3. Speed Humps and Rumble Strips
What is the difference between speed humps and speed bumps? While both are effective traffic calming devices, speed humps tend to be longer and feature a more gradual slope than speed bumps. Why would you use humps over bumps?
As far as traffic management devices go, humps are less aggressive and require less slowing down. This is why, in conjunction with traffic signs, they are favoured in residential streets, school zones, caravan parks, and business/educational campuses. They are designed and installed to slow vehicles down to about 15-20 km/h.
The smoother ride that humps offer makes them ideal for private roads though less effective in high-traffic areas. It is also important to realise that due to their more gradual slope they often require more space than bumps. Safety products like speed humps contribute to creating a safe environment in residential areas by effectively reducing vehicle speeds and enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
4. Raised Plateau
Raised plateaus are elevated sections of the roadway, often spanning the entire width of the street, designed to slow down and calm traffic. They feature a flat top surface and gradual ramps on both sides, making them easily noticeable and able to capture attention for drivers and pedestrians. (You can find out more about the impacts on pedestrian wellbeing here).
Plateaus are commonly used at intersections and mid-block crossings and are designed to enhance pedestrian safety as well. They are more expensive and complex to install compared to speed bumps or humps as there are additional drainage considerations.
5. Flat Top Traffic Calming Device
Flat top traffic control devices are similar to other safety products like the raised plateau outlined above, but instead of being installed at an intersection they are installed within a specific section of the street itself.
Apart from its ability to slow vehicles without causing much in the way of discomfort, flat top traffic management devices also increase safety by enhancing pedestrian environments.
Like the raised plateaus, the complications of installation can result in a more costly initial investment and requirements for ongoing and regular maintenance to ensure durability and effectiveness.
6. Raised Pedestrian Crossing
Raised pedestrian crossings, which are also known colloquially as wombat crossings, are similar to the flat top traffic calming devices. However, they differ in that they are designed specifically for pedestrian use.
These crossings often work in conjunction with traffic signals to enhance pedestrian safety.
Raised pedestrian crossings are most commonly 4 metres in length, comprising a 2 metre flat central section and a 1 metre onset and offset ramp on either side. These traffic management devices offer two benefits: (1) They encourage safe speed reduction in vehicles travelling around urban areas where there is likely to be a significant presence of pedestrians. (2) It provides a designated and safe crossing point for pedestrians.
While these crossings are more expensive and complex to install due to additional design, maintenance and drainage requirements, they do significantly improve pedestrian safety with some estimates suggesting a reduction in casualties of up to 63%.
Claremont Asphalt – Your Traffic Calming Devices Specialist
Each traffic calming device comes with its own unique benefits and the right solution will likely depend on the application. As speed bump installation specialists based in Western Australia, the team at Claremont Asphalt complies with local standards and can help you find the right device to balance road safety, driver convenience, and pedestrian protection.
Road safety signs play a crucial role in traffic management and safety, providing essential information to drivers, pedestrians, and road users. They ensure compliance with traffic laws and enhance safety during roadworks or hazardous conditions.
Whether you’re considering a raised pedestrian crossing or an asphalt speed bump, make sure you turn to professional installation and maintenance specialists. Contact our team today about all things traffic calming devices.