A study by the National Institute For Health and Clinical Excellence has found that speed bumps can increase emissions of CO2, NO2, and nitrogen oxides.
The researchers used freedom of information requests to analyze traffic data collected in different parts of the country.
They also found that the emissions of CO2 were significantly higher at circular plastic and trapezoidal speed humps compared to unmarked pavements. It is important to note, however, that this study did not include all possible types of speed humps.
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What do the studies suggest?
Although it is not clear whether speed bumps cause air pollution or not, some studies suggest that they do.
Those with experience of implementing traffic control devices say that speed bumps contribute to the rise in air pollution. Other studies show that they reduce emergency response times and reduce traffic congestion.
Additionally, they are also associated with an increased number of accidents and fatalities. So, it is vital that you keep the speed limit when driving over these speed bumps.
Speed bumps have been criticized for their potential to increase air pollution by increasing the emissions of particulate matter. They are also controversial because they can contribute to road safety. Moreover, they can also impede traffic by slowing down the flow of traffic.
How are speed bumps linked to pollution?
While speed bumps are an important part of road safety, it has also been linked to pollution. While they may be necessary for road safety, they can actually lead to higher levels of air pollution.
This is because the friction between vehicles and the bumps causes more emissions. As a result, vehicles that drive between two speed-bumps are more likely to produce double the number of pollutants.
So, in the end, it’s important to consider the health consequences of bumps when choosing where to place them.
| SKU | Description | Length | Height | Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB206FT | 6 Ft Speed Bump (1) 6′ Section With no End Caps | 72″ | 2″ | 12″ | 48.40 |
| SB207FT | 7 Ft Speed Bump (1) 6′ Section + (2) End Caps | 86″ | 2″ | 12″ | 55.40 |
| SB213FT | Single Lane 12 Ft Speed Bump (2) 6′ Section With no End Caps | 144″ | 2″ | 12″ | 96.80 |
| SB219FT | Double lane 19 Ft Speed Bump (3) 6′ Section + (2) End Caps | 230″ | 2″ | 12″ | 152.20 |
| SB225FT | 25 Ft Speed Bump (4) 6′ Section + (2) End Caps | 302″ | 2″ | 12″ | 200.60 |
| SB2ECAP | End cap | 7′ | 2′ | 12′ | 3.50 |
| SKU | Description | Length | Height | Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SB3039I | 39″ Speed Bump (1) 39″ Section With no End Caps | 39″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 36.20 |
| SB3117I | 117″ Single Lane Speed Bump (3) 39″ Sections With no End Caps | 117″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 108.60 |
| SB3137I | 137″ Single Lane Speed Bump (3) 39″ Sections + (2) End Caps | 137″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 124.20 |
| SB3234I | 234″ Double lane Speed Bump (6) 39″ Sections With no End Caps | 234″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 217.20 |
| SB3254I-2 | 254″ Double Lane Speed Bump (6) 39″ Sections + (2) End Caps | 254″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 232.80 |
| SB3ECAP-2 | End cap | 10″ | 2″ | 13.7″ | 7.80 |
| SKU | Description | Length | Height | Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH1018I | 18.75″ Speed Bump (1) 18.75″ Section with no End Caps | 18.75″ | 1.25″ | 2″ | 22.20 |
| SH1112I | 112.5″ Single Lane Speed Bump (6) 18.75″ Sections with no End Caps | 112.5″ | 1.25″ | 2″ | 133.20 |
| SH1128I | 10 Ft Single Lane Speed Bump (6) 18.75″ Sections + (2) End Caps | 128.5 | 1.25″ | 2″ | 148.80 |
| SH1225I | 225″ Double Lane Speed Bump (12) 18.75″ Sections with no End Caps | 225″ | 1.25″ | 2″ | 266.40 |
| SH1241I | 20 Ft Double Lane Speed Bump (12) 18.75″ Sections + (2) End Caps | 241″ | 1.25″ | 2″ | 282.00 |
| SH1ECAL | LEFT End Cap | 8″ | 1.25″ | 2′ | 7.80 |
| SH1ECAR | RIGHT End Cap | 8″ | 1.25″ | 2′ | 7.80 |
| SKU | Description | Length | Height | Width | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH2019I | 19.75″ Speed Bump (1) 19.75″ Section With no End Caps | 19.75″ | 2″ | 3″ | 48.00 |
| SH2121I | 10 Ft Single Lane Speed Bump (5) 19.75″ Sections + (2) End Caps | 121.75″ | 2″ | 3″ | 273.00 |
| SH2240I | 20 Ft Double Lane Speed Bump (11) 19.75″ + (2) End Caps | 240″ | 2″ | 3″ | 561.00 |
| SH2ECAL | LEFT End cap | 11.5″ | 2″ | 3′ | 16.00 |
| SH2ECAR | RIGHT End cap | 11.5″ | 2″ | 3′ | 16.00 |
Final words
In addition to the pollution-control benefits of speed bumps, they are also detrimental for public health.
Research has shown that speed bumps decrease road accidents, and the removal of speed bumps would lead to an increase in fatalities and accidents.
Although speed bumps are vital for road safety, they can contribute to emitting air pollution and noise. However, they can reduce accident rates and reduce the risk of car crashes.