Council leaders are facing backlash over what locals are deeming the ‘most pointless speed bump in the UK’ that only covers half of Wigman Road in Nottingham. Residents argue that the partial hump has actually heightened the dangers on the road as drivers maneuver around it like a slalom course.
The speed-reducing feature was introduced on the road, which has a 30mph speed limit and several other more pronounced speed bumps, during the summer. Previously a two-lane road, it has now been narrowed to a single lane with parking spaces on the left side.
Nottingham City Council, under Labour control, placed the speed bump directly across from a bungalow that lacks a parking bay due to a lowered curb and driveway. Video evidence shows many drivers simply swerving around the obstacle, part of a multi-million-pound initiative aimed at enhancing road safety citywide.
Frustrated residents argue that the speed bump is not just ‘pointless’ but also hazardous. Betsey Degraft-Johnson, a longtime resident, pointed out that drivers continue to speed along the road, especially at night.
Local resident Jamie Nicholls expressed confusion, stating that he expected the bump to be completed across the entire road. He highlighted the increased danger as cars speed down the road and swerve to avoid the bump.
Critics like Carlene Westby, a carer, labeled the decision a waste of money, questioning why the bump wasn’t placed across the entire road for consistency and effectiveness.
Nigel Fleming, a resident opposite the speed bump, expressed bewilderment at the situation, stating that most cars try to avoid the bump, rendering it ineffective. Other residents echoed similar sentiments, questioning the purpose and safety implications of the half-built speed bump.
The city council utilized funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) for the speed bump installation. The TCF, a taxpayer-funded initiative worth £2.45 billion, aims to enhance transportation in English cities.
A council spokesperson clarified that the speed bump was initially only placed across half the road due to the presence of parking bays. They mentioned ongoing monitoring and potential plans to extend the bump to cover the full width of the road if deemed necessary.