Are you looking to slow down traffic in your workplace parking lot or private vehicle traffic environment?  

Speed humps are a common and effective solution, but choosing the right type is crucial for achieving your goals without causing unintended problems.  

One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the height of the speed hump.  

This article compares two common sized rubber speed humps – 75mm and 50mm – so you can understand their differences, how they manage speed and when you should use them (or not). While they sound (and may look) very similar, a difference of just 25mm greatly changes the use, and will influence your choice. 

This will help you choose the most effective traffic calming solution to create a safer work environment.

When to use speed humps to manage speed  

Before diving into the specifics of 75mm vs. 50mm speed humps, let’s quickly review when speed humps are a good idea. Speed humps achieve speed management by creating a physical obstruction that force drivers to slow down, reducing the risk of collisions between people, vehicles, and assets. Here are some examples of environments where they can improve safety:   

• Carparks – In shopping centres, supermarkets, recreational areas and businesses. 

• High pedestrian traffic areas- Places where pedestrians frequently cross or walk along roadways. 

• Exits onto busy roads – Where vehicles need to slow down before entering a high-traffic area. 

• Private property and warehousing – Managing speed in private areas to protect employees and assets. 

• Quieter roads: Managing speed on residential streets or roads with lower traffic volumes. 

When a speed hump may be the wrong choice 

Speed humps are great for general traffic locations. But, if you have a lot of heavy-vehicle traffic like buses and trucks, you will be better off with wider, gentler speed cushions. Speed cushions spread vehicle weight better and will last longer.  

Check out his article on how speed cushions differ from speed humps, and when to use them.   

Now, let’s get into the specifics of the two speed humps. 

75mm vs. 50mm speed humps: A detailed comparison 

If you want to slow down standard cars, utes, vans and the occasional truck in a carpark or workplace Vanguard’s most popular 50mm high rubber speed hump will do the job. They are designed to manage speed down to around 15-20 kmh.

In higher risk areas where you need much less speed the more aggressive 75mm high-speed hump will slow vehicles to around 5-10kmh before they cross them.  

When to Choose 50mm Speed Humps 

The most commonly used speed hump is the 50mm size. It offers a gentler approach to speed reduction. They will manage speed to around 15-20kmh and are a good choice for: 

• General purpose traffic calming in parking lots, such as supermarkets, and other areas where you want to reduce speed without being overly disruptive. 

• Site entrance where vehicle traffic transitions from public to private roads, with different speed limits. 

• Car parks with speed limits: Environments where you want to encourage drivers to stay within a reasonable speed range. 

• Areas with a variety of vehicle types (but not trucks): 50mm speed humps are generally suitable for a wider range of vehicles, including those with lower ground clearance. 

Watch the video here: 

Important considerations for 50mm Speed Humps: 

They may not be sufficient in high-risk areas or where a significant speed reduction is needed, such as blind corners or where a full stop is needed. 

When to Choose 75mm Speed Humps 

75mm speed humps are the most extreme option for speed management. Their abrupt profile slows vehicles to around 5-10kmh. They are designed to provide a significant and immediate speed reduction, making them ideal for: 

• High-risk areas and locations with a history of collisions or near misses. 

• Blind corners with limited visibility and where vehicles need to slow down dramatically. 

• Very low-speed environments where you need to ensure vehicles are travelling at a crawl. 

Watch the video here:  

Important Considerations for 75mm Speed Humps: 

• Vehicles with low ground clearance will find 75mm speed humps a challenge. 

• They can be uncomfortable for drivers if they don’t slow down enough, so we caution against using them in busy public carparks – unless it’s a high-risk situation. 

• They are not designed to be used on roads – for speed calming on public roads, we recommend speed cushion pads or 50mm high modular speed cushions  

Installation and Cost Considerations 

Regardless of the height you choose, there are a few installation and cost factors to keep in mind.  

The surface is important. Vanguard’s rubber speed humps can be installed into asphalt, concrete or chipseal, however if your surface is in poor condition (e.g. has cracking or rutting/potholing) its best to repair this first. Otherwise, installing it on a damaged ground surface can make it worse. The centre modules (and end caps) interlock with each other and are screwed or bolted on. This means they can be configured to fit across all road widths.Image: Interlocking 50mm speed hump module and end cap 

How much do speed humps cost? 

The exact price will depend on how wide your speed hump needs to be, how many you are installing, what surface you have and whether you need glue (which we recommend if you have a lot of heavy vehicles or high traffic volume). However, to give you a guide per metre, you can estimate: 

• 50mm = $140 – 150 per metre 

• 75mm = $150 – 160 per metre. 

Note the estimates above are exclusive of freight, installation and GST. If you need an accurate quote, Vanguard’s team can prepare this for you once the type of speed hump and quantity are known.   

How long will speed humps last? 

While there is no single answer to this question, you can expect at least 5 years in typical conditions.  

The lifespan can be longer if you install the right type for the expected use. Less volume and heavy vehicles will mean less damage. Proper installation will also mean less movement and damage, and your investment will last longer.  

Regular maintenance, such as inspection for damage and re-tightening any loose screws, can also extend the lifespan of rubber speed humps. The great news is, you can replace any damaged modules quickly and easily to keep it working effectively (and minimise maintenance costs).  

Essential factors to consider before installing speed humps 

There are many different types of traffic calming treatments (for more detail about types of traffic calmers and humps read this article). Different designs achieve different vehicle speeds. The type you choose will depend on your environment, the type and volume of vehicle traffic, and your safety goals. Start with a quick check that includes:  

• Risk assessment – what are your potential hazards and areas where do you need speed reduction the most? 

• Vehicle types – What types of vehicles will be using the area (cars, trucks, buses, forklifts, etc.)? 

• Pedestrian movements – Will people need to cross roads or access areas in the worksite? 

• Existing surface – Will you be installing on asphalt, concrete or other? 

• Local regulations – Are there any local regulations or guidelines you need to comply with when installing speed humps? 

If you’ve done your initial assessment and feel like you need further guidance on managing speed in your workplace, please get in touch with one of our experienced team at Vanguard today. We’ll be happy to help talk you through the process. 

Finding the solution you need  

Selecting the right speed hump  is crucial for achieving safe speeds and ensuring an effective solution is put in place.  By thoughtfully evaluating the key factors discussed in this article, you can make the best choice. 

At Vanguard, we’ve helped thousands of businesses implement effective speed calming solutions. You can feel confident that our team are the best people to guide you through the process, so you get the right solution.  

If you need help selecting what speed hump is best to use for your project, or have any questions at all about speed management, please get in touch.