Frequently Asked Questions

When driven over at appropriate speeds, speed bumps do not damage vehicles. They are designed to encourage drivers to slow to 5–15 mph. Damage can occur only if vehicles cross at excessive speed, which reinforces the product’s purpose. Rubber speed bumps with a graduated profile are gentler than rigid concrete alternatives.

Best practice suggests spacing speed bumps 50–100 metres apart to maintain consistent low speeds. Closer spacing is appropriate in high-risk pedestrian areas. For public roads, the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 set specific requirements. In private car parks and yards, spacing should reflect the target speed and traffic patterns.

Speed bumps typically range from 25mm to 100mm in height. Regulations for public roads set a maximum height of 100mm. For private car parks, 50–75mm is common, providing effective speed reduction without causing discomfort for careful drivers. Lower-profile speed humps and speed ramps offer a gentler alternative for higher-speed zones.

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Rubber speed bumps are typically modular, bolt-down systems. Clean the surface, position the modules across the lane width, mark bolt holes, drill into the road surface, and fix using the provided anchors. End caps are fitted to create a ramped edge. Most installations can be completed in under an hour with basic tools. Always follow the manufacturer’s installation guide.

A dock bumper is a heavy-duty rubber or polyurethane pad mounted on the face of a loading bay to absorb the impact of vehicles reversing into the dock. It protects the building’s structure, door frames, and dock equipment from damage. Dock bumpers are standard equipment on virtually every commercial loading bay in the UK.

Dock bumpers are mounted using steel backing plates bolted to the loading bay face. Mark the correct height to align with the reversing vehicle’s rear impact point, drill into the bay wall, fit the backing plate, and secure the bumper. Professional installation is recommended for heavy laminated units. Always ensure fixings are rated for the expected impact loads.

Standard rubber dock bumpers typically last 3–5 years depending on traffic frequency. Laminated dock bumpers can last significantly longer in the same conditions. Inspect bumpers regularly for cracking, deformation, or loose fixings. Replace immediately if the bumper no longer projects sufficiently to prevent vehicle-to-wall contact.

Corner guards are protective profiles fitted over the external edges of walls and columns to prevent impact damage. They are used in hospitals, schools, offices, warehouses, car parks, and retail environments – anywhere that corners are exposed to trolley, vehicle, or forklift contact. Available in rubber, PVC, stainless steel, and polyurethane to suit different settings.

Self-adhesive corner guards simply require a clean, dry surface – peel the backing and press firmly into position. For heavier-duty rubber corner guards, drill and plug the wall, then bolt or screw the guard in place. In dusty or damp environments, mechanical fixings are more reliable than adhesive. Most installations take minutes per unit.

Self-adhesive guards can be removed by carefully peeling from one end, using a heat gun on low setting to soften the adhesive if necessary. Residual adhesive can be removed with a proprietary adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol. Bolt-fixed guards simply require the fixings to be unscrewed. Fill any bolt holes before fitting replacements.

A wall guard protects flat wall surfaces, typically running horizontally along the wall at impact height. A corner guard protects the exposed vertical edge where two walls meet. Many facilities install both: wall guards along traffic routes and corner guards at every external angle. Together, they provide comprehensive surface protection.

Yes, rubber wall guards designed for external use are UV-stabilised and weather-resistant. They are commonly installed in covered loading bays, open-sided car parks, and on external building corners. When purchasing, check that the product is specifically rated for external use, as indoor-only variants may degrade in sunlight.

Wheel stops define the end of a parking bay, preventing vehicles from overrunning into pedestrian areas, walls, fencing, or other vehicles. They are used in car parks, logistics yards, and commercial premises. Standard versions suit passenger vehicles, while HGV wheel stops are designed for heavier commercial vehicles in industrial environments.

Wheel stops are fixed to the ground surface using steel pins or expansion bolts driven through pre-drilled holes in the unit. For tarmac, masonry pins are common; for concrete, expansion anchors provide a stronger hold. Position the stop at the correct distance from the bay end wall to allow for vehicle overhang. Installation typically takes 10–15 minutes per unit.

Standard rubber wheel stops are designed for passenger vehicles and will not withstand HGV tyre forces. Dedicated HGV wheel stops are larger, heavier, and use reinforced fixings to handle the weight and momentum of commercial vehicles. Always specify the correct duty rating for the vehicle type using the parking area.

Wheel chocks prevent stationary vehicles from rolling. In commercial settings, they are primarily used at loading docks to stop trailers creeping during loading and unloading operations. They are also used in vehicle storage, workshops, and during maintenance. HSE guidance document L117 references wheel chocking as a key workplace transport safety measure.

Place the chock firmly against the tyre on the downhill side of the vehicle, or on both sides on level ground. Push the chock into contact with the tyre and ensure it is seated on a clean, firm surface. For loading dock operations, chock the trailer’s rear wheels before opening doors or beginning any loading activity. Remove chocks only when loading is complete and the dock area is clear.

As a minimum, use one chock per axle on the side most likely to roll. Best practice for loading dock operations is two chocks per trailer – one on each side of one rear wheel. For vehicles on slopes, chock both sides of at least one wheel. Check your risk assessment and any site-specific procedures for exact requirements.

HSE guidance on workplace transport safety strongly recommends wheel chocking at loading docks. While not a strict legal requirement in its own right, failing to implement chocking could be considered a breach of the employer’s general duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 if an incident occurs. Most well-managed logistics operations treat chocking as mandatory.