A PETITION which garnered more than 200 signatures calling for ‘hazardous’ speed bumps to be removed in Great Houghton has been rejected by Barnsley Council.
A total of 220 people - comprising 103 local residents, 117 people outside of the borough and the remainder online - signed the petition for the bumps to be removed on High Street.
Residents were concerned that the speed calming measures had become dangerous - and called for action.
The petition states: “Residents feel that the speed humps on High Street, Great Houghton, have become an inconvenience and a hazard.
“The speed humps were installed to slow down traffic and increase safety.
“However, they have proven to be more vehicle-unfriendly than anticipated.
“They cause damage to vehicles and can potentially lead to accidents due to sudden braking or swerving.
“We believe that there are alternative solutions available which can ensure both the safety of pedestrians and smooth passage for vehicles.
“In other parts of UK such as Wiltshire and Kent, councils have successfully implemented ‘speed cushions’ which are considered more vehicle- friendly while still effectively slowing down traffic.
“Therefore, we urge Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to take immediate action either by modifying these speed humps into a safer design or removing them altogether.”
However, cabinet members will next week be told the speed bumps will not be removed - though there will be some work done to ease residents’ concerns.
A report said: “The petition was passed to Damon Brown, network manager, at an evening meeting arranged by ward members to discuss this issue.
“Following the meeting the traffic team have undertaken an assessment of road safety on High Street, Great Houghton and no collision cluster sites or speeding issues have been identified.
“The existing speed cushions are an effective form of traffic calming.
“The traffic team will discuss suitable methods for maintaining the cushions.
“The southbound approach to the village has been added to the speed indicator device deployment rota.
“No other action can be supported by the council at this time.”
Coun Dorothy Coates, who represents the area, told the Chronicle she will work with her fellow ward colleagues Couns Ruth Booker and Ashley Peace to support residents.
She added: “This decision is disappointing for the village.
“However, Barnsley Council’s investigation and surveys have shown that the speed cushions do their job and save lives.
“But residents at the public meeting and throughout have raised relevant concerns.
“The issue of the constant damage to the speed cushions by the volume of traffic and the amount of lorries coming through Great Houghton is worrying.
“Living locally all my life and as a parish councillor, I want nothing but the best for our village and its residents.
“The work doesn’t stop here, I will continue to campaign for our roads in Great Houghton to be safer and the speed cushions to be replaced with a more suitable option, along with my colleagues Ashley and Ruth.”
