A "sleeping policeman" is a traffic calming device also known as a speed bump or a speed hump. This feature is designed to slow down vehicles that may otherwise be traveling too fast in a particular area. While the term "sleeping policeman" is commonly used in the UK, it can also be referred to as a "speed cushion" or a "traffic calming bump" in other parts of the world. Regardless of the name, the intention is the same - to encourage drivers to obey speed limits and improve the safety of pedestrians and other road users.