Closed
Speed table vibration issues
Sent to Hackney Council less than a minute later. FixMyStreet ref: 9423767.
Buses/ trucks exiting recently updated speed table with great speed and at an angle that is creating significant structural damage to adjacent building to exit.
Request to reconsider impact & effectiveness as vehicles don’t slow and continue to damage
Updates
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Hi,
Thank you for information about an issue related to Highway Obstruction. We usually provide our first update in relation to that kind of problem in 5 working days.
Hackney Council
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Dear resident,
Thank you for contacting the Council regarding the speed table near your house and the concerns you have raised about vibration affecting your property.
We do not advise on vibration matters.It is up to the property owner to seek professional advice on this type of matter, i.e. structural engineer, geological engineer etc.
On London clay, a typical speed calming measures (i.e. speed cushions, speed tables or humps) would need to be located within 1 metre of a dwelling before vibrations from general traffic could cause minor damage and within about 15 metres to be perceptible. (Transport Research Laboratory, Report 416, 1999). The research shows, even on the worst sub-soil for transmitting vibrations, a property’s foundations would need to be within 2m of the speed hump or cushion for superficial cracking to occur as a result of sustained exposure.
These speed calming measures form part of the borough-wide 20mph scheme and road safety programs, which were introduced to improve road safety, reduce the severity of collisions, and create a safer and more pleasant environment for residents, pedestrians and cyclists. These measures are installed on public highways following assessment and in accordance with national legislation and Department for Transport guidance. Under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the Council has a statutory duty to manage the highway network and to implement measures that promote road safety. Traffic calming features such as speed cushions are specifically provided for under the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 and must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Hackney’s approach is also consistent with Department for Transport guidance on traffic calming and 20mph schemes, which recognises the role of physical measures in supporting lower speed limits and improving compliance.
Whilst the Council understands that individual residents may experience concerns relating to traffic calming features, these measures are installed for the benefit of the wider community and to address documented risks associated with vehicle speed. Their removal is not considered appropriate where they are performing their intended function and where there is no evidence of non-compliance with design standards or statutory requirements. The Council does not generally remove traffic calming measures in response to individual requests, as doing so would undermine the effectiveness of the wider road safety strategy and the objectives of the borough-wide 20mph programme.
We appreciate you taking the time to write to us and to raise your concerns. Please be assured that the Council continues to monitor its highway assets and will take action where safety, maintenance or compliance issues are identified.
This report is now closed to updates from the public. You can make a new report in the same location.