I THINK P J Markwick has missed the point of the several letters about speed humps (Letters, June 18).

My original point was that the new design of the humps is positively dangerous to two wheelers (cycles, scooters and motorcycles).

Existing concrete/tarmac ones have a gentle curved surface whereas the new polymer ones are viciously steeply angled and they are also creating great discomfort to less able-bodied persons.

I do not like speed humps in general, but can see the sense in calming traffic with them when it would be otherwise dangerous, but the latest design needs to be modified to prevent accidents.

I am pleased one correspondent has taken this up with City of York Council’s traffic department because this, and the series of letters in The Press, constitutes a warning that the new humps are wrong.

If I am correct, and accidents result, I trust the army of injury lawyers will chase the ambulances of the victims and put in their claims quickly to the city’s traffic department.

Bob Redwood, Main Street, Askham Bryan, York.


• IN RELATION to the new design recycled rubber speed humps in Heslington Lane (Painful impact, Letter, June 17), a few points need to be made clear.

While Coun Aspden says the council plans to “roll them out across the city”, they are mostly being introduced to replace existing custom-built humps as they wear out in school safety zones, etc.

These prefabricated humps meet DfT regulations and can be installed cheaply and quickly, rather than frequently patching damaged humps.

While they may be painful for some disabled, frail or elderly drivers at all but very low speed, this has to be weighed against the benefits of slower speeds for the safety of children, and local elderly or disabled residents walking or cycling.

Check your highway code – stopping distance is halved by cutting your speed from 30mph to 20mph.

Anneliese Emmans Dean (Letters, June 12) referred to the benefits of “signed only” 20mph and this is obviously cheaper and preferable.

Only when most drivers are travelling at less than the limit in these areas will be the time to consider removing humps outside our schools, but not before.

Coun Andy D’Agorne, Fishergate ward, Broadway West, York.