Last updated at 10:04, Wednesday, 24 June 2009

VILLAGERS in Askam have got the hump over a speed bump plan.

Cumbria County Council is considering introducing 10 sleeping policemen and a 20mph limit to the village.

The council claims the £45,000 traffic calming scheme will cut speeding in Askam which has been causing concern.

But the need for the humps has been questioned and residents of different streets in the village oppose the plan.

Objectors claim the speed bumps will look ugly and out of character, and lead to noise, parking problems, damage to cars and falls in house prices.

But Mark Hankin, a traffic expert with the council’s highways consultants, Capita Symonds, is urging county councillors to press ahead with the plan.

Mr Hankin says: “The proposed 20mph zone and associated traffic calming features will reduce the instances of errant speeding in Askam which have been the cause of some concern from residents.”

In his report to the county councillors, Mr Hankin also responds to the various objections.

He says: “Two residents of a property on Duddon Road object to the installation of speed cushions on the grounds of noise pollution, parking problems, reduction in property value and vehicular damage.

“The residents ask why the speed cushions cannot be placed further along the road.

“Although the properties on this part of Duddon Road have no gardens and open directly on to the street, the speed limit in this area will be 20mph and traffic at such low speeds do not generate high noise levels as a norm.

“The speed cushions will not prevent any vehicle from parking as they do now.”

Mr Hankin claims the issue about the impact on house prices is “subjective”.

But he says: “Properties within 20mph zones can see an increase in value as they are considered to be located within a safe area regarding traffic behaviour and have fewer road traffic accidents.”

Mr Hankin says whether cars get damaged going over humps depends on how they are driven.

“If these are done at higher speeds, then it is more likely that damage will occur,” he says.

Mr Hankin has hit back at claims the bumps would be ugly and out of character.

He says: “The aesthetic appearance of the road humps is such that they tend to blend into an area rather than be visually obtrusive, though initially they will be noticeable. Aesthetics is a minor concern compared to road safety.”

The group of councillors – called Barrow Local Committee – are due to discuss the proposed traffic calming scheme for Askam at a meeting next Monday at the Friars Hotel, Friars Lane, Barrow.

The meeting is due to start at 10.45am.

First published at 11:49, Tuesday, 09 December 2008
Published by http://www.askamlocal.co.uk