AS my short letter on the subject of speed humps appears to have provoked further correspondence, perhaps I might elaborate on the points raised.

Speed humps cause increased noise and pollution, as most may only be crossed comfortably at a speed well below the limit. Traffic braking before the hump and accelerating afterwards causes more pollution and noise than if a steady speed within the limit had been maintained.

It also causes increased road wear, and thus higher maintenance costs.

Humps can cause damage to suspensions, and cause premature wear on shock absorbers. Keeping these in good condition is vital for safe braking in an emergency.

At night, speed humps cause headlight beams to rise, potentially dazzling other drivers or sending unintended signals.

Looking out for humps distracts drivers from looking out for more serious hazards, like wayward children.

Speed humps put lives at risk by slowing fire engines and ambulances. They have also implications for seriously ill patients whose condition may not benefit from their constant jolts.

Speed humps on bus routes are dangerous for passengers who, unlike the driver, cannot see them coming and can easily be thrown off balance while walking down the aisle, or on the stairs of a double decker.

Speed humps are dangerous in icy conditions, causing the wheels of cars and bicycles to slide on their slopes. Can you rely on Bolton council to treat all the roads concerned?

Judging by comments from people who have read my previous letter, I do not believe that there is majority support for more speed humps; indeed, among those to whom I have spoken, there appears to be more support for the removal of those already in existence.

Can this be done, please?

Geoffrey Breakell

Hatfield Road

Bolton

AS my short letter on the subject of speed humps appears to have provoked further correspondence, perhaps I might elaborate on the points raised.

Speed humps cause increased noise and pollution, as most may only be crossed comfortably at a speed well below the limit. Traffic braking before the hump and accelerating afterwards causes more pollution and noise than if a steady speed within the limit had been maintained.

It also causes increased road wear, and thus higher maintenance costs.

Humps can cause damage to suspensions, and cause premature wear on shock absorbers. Keeping these in good condition is vital for safe braking in an emergency.

At night, speed humps cause headlight beams to rise, potentially dazzling other drivers or sending unintended signals.

Looking out for humps distracts drivers from looking out for more serious hazards, like wayward children. Speed humps put lives at risk by slowing fire engines and ambulances. They also have implications for seriously ill patients whose condition may not benefit from their constant jolts.

Speed humps on bus routes are dangerous for passengers who, unlike the driver, cannot see them coming and can easily be thrown off balance while walking down the aisle, or on the stairs of a double decker.

Speed humps are dangerous in icy conditions, causing the wheels of cars and bicycles to slide on their slopes. Can you rely on Bolton council to treat all the roads concerned?

Judging by comments from people who have read my previous letter, I do not believe that there is majority support for more speed humps; indeed, among those to whom I have spoken, there appears to be more support for the removal of those already in existence.

Can this be done, please?