Traffic Calming
Traffic calming is the term used to describe physical features provided along a road to encourage drivers to reduce speed. These features are introduced for the safety of all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic calming schemes can employ a variety of measures, including road humps and narrowings. Warning signs often indicate the type of measure to be expected. There may be an entry sign at the boundary of an area that has traffic calming features
Entrance to a traffic-calmed area. The name of the area may be shown. The sign may also be used in advance of the area and show a distance. Where the traffic-calmed area is reached by turning into a side road, the sign will include an arrow
Road humps
Road humps may have a flat or round top, extending across the width of the road or covering a whole junction. They may also be in the form of a "cushion", covering only part of a traffic lane and designed to allow buses and large emergency vehicles to straddle them, whilst slowing other vehicles. Except in a 20 mph zone, warning signs are erected at the beginning of the road where a hump or series of humps is installed.
Road humps for distance shown. may be varied to "Hump" and a distance omited
Road humps for distance and in the direction shown
Road hump in the direction shown
A road hump is normally marked with white triangle and edge line markings.
Zebra and signal-controlled pedestrian crossings are sometimes located on flat-top humps. These may be indicated by advance warning signs.
Road narrowings
Roads may be reduced in width by the use of build-outs on one or both sides. When placed on both sides, they may be opposite each other or staggered. Priority through the narrowing may be controlled by signs and "give way" markings. It is essential that you obey signs indicating priority to vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
Give way to traffic from the opposite direction
Traffic has priority over oncoming vehicles
If priority is not given to either direction at a road narrowing, you should ensure that you can pass through without endangering occupants in vehicles approaching from the other direction. Do not accelerate on the approach to a narrowing, but maintain a slow steady speed and be prepared to give way to approaching traffic. Let any cyclists proceed ahead of you. Warning signs indicating which side the narrowing occurs may be used in advance, especially where priority signs and markings are not provided.
Road narrows on both sides
Road narrows on one sides
20mph zones
Some traffic-calmed areas are indicated by the 20 mph zone entry sign. This sign, as well as indicating a 20 mph speed limit, warns drivers that they are entering an area with traffic calming features, such as road humps and road narrowings. These features may not be individually signed, nor are there likely to be 20 mph speed limit repeater signs. In these areas, it is important that you adopt a steady low speed and avoid repeated acceleration and deceleration.
Entrance to a 20mph zone
End of a 20mph zone
Home zones
Home Zones are residential areas with streets designed to be places for people as well as for motor traffic. The road space is shared among drivers and other road users. People could be using the whole of the space for a range of activities. You should drive slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make room for you to pass them in safety.
Entrance to a 20mph home zone
End of a 20mph home zone
Greenway roads
The Isle of Man has green lanes and greenway road, typically in the hills that walkers, cyclists, horse riders and motor trials bikes may use. If riding on these special roads you should ride slowly and carefully and be prepared to stop to allow people extra time to make room for you to pass them in safety.
Entrance to a Greenway Road.
Entrance to a Greenway Road ahead.
End of a Greenway Road
Village gateways
Gateways into villages may be formed from the combination of speed limit signs, yellow backing boards and village name plates. Central hatched markings or islands may also be used to separate opposing traffic. Drivers approaching the gateways should reduce speed and observe the speed limit all the way through the village. Some parts of the carriageway may have a coloured surface to emphasise the road markings.