Residents raise concerns with ‘inconvenient’ speed bumps on Station Road, Thatcham
Residents in Thatcham have raised their concerns with speed bumps on Station Road.
The bumps are of rubber material and form square shapes – often called speed cushions – in the centre of each directional lane.
These, more modern, bumps have replaced older tarmac bumps, many of which cover the entire width of a road.
Their square shape allows larger vehicles to straddle them without slowing down.
It also ensures that harm doesn’t come to emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire engines, who will be able to travel over them at normal speed.
However, some residents have said these speed cushions are too steep and have sharp corners, which can result in them being “thrown about” in their vehicles.
A recent Thatcham Town Council planning and highways committee meeting heard that the Station Road bumps – between The Moors and Pipers Lane – have caused numerous complaints.
Councillor Tom McCann said: “They are not just slowing the traffic down, they are becoming an inconvenience, a large irritation to residents.”
Colleague and chairman of the committee Simon Pike added: “Not only are they a nuisance for some people, it is a hazard and could cause injury if someone has a back problem if they are forced to go over them on either side.”
Councillor Justin Pemberton said the solution would be to change the shape of them.
Mr Pike endorsed this and concluded that the issue be raised with West Berkshire Council with a change of shape suggested.
