Speed bumps causing extensive damage to cars, according to new research

More than a fifth of motorists have suffered car damage from a speed hump, according to a new report from Confused.com.

The insurance comparison specialist polled 2000 drivers and found that 22 per cent had experienced damage to their car when passing over a speed hump, with the average cost of repair coming in at £141 per vehicle.

Almost half of car drivers claimed that a speed bump had caused damage to their tyres, while a third said it broke or damaged the suspension. The survey found that more than a quarter of drivers want markings on speed humps to be made clearer, while one in four argue that they are not an effective method of reducing speed.

A freedom of information request by Confused.com found that local councils have forked out more than £35,000 to drivers for harm caused by speed humps between 2015 and 2017. 

Highways Regulations state that drivers may claim for damage to their vehicle if the road surface is defective. However, speed bumps and humps are not technically classed as a ‘road defect’, which makes it difficult for drivers to make a claim.

"Claiming for damage to your car caused by speed humps is confusing for drivers. Unlike potholes, which are defects in the road, speed humps have been installed for safety"

But there are limitations on how big a speed hump should be, and this might make it easier for motorists to claim compensation for damage. According to the Highways Regulations 1999, road humps should not exceed 100mm in height.

Anything higher than this is more likely to cause damage to a car, and puts motorists in a position to claim for damage caused. The government recommends they are no higher than 75mm.

More than 29,000 speed humps, bumps and cushions are installed on UK roads; however, the research from Confused.com found that a quarter of drivers think these measures are ineffective - with one in six saying speed cameras and chicanes are far more useful.

"Claiming for damage to your car caused by speed humps is confusing for drivers. Unlike potholes, which are defects in the road, speed humps have been installed for safety," said Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com.