Speed humps and bollards enough to make you cry

Published on 22nd May 2008 in Letters

Sir - Last year the East Riding County Council sent out details of a proposal to introduce traffic-calming measures in the streets to the south of Boothferry Road. Intimating they had sent the details to all affected households, they asked for the views of the local residents. I don't know how many people replied, either for or against, but discussing the idea locally I found only two people who weren't bothered and the rest who thought it ludicrous.

Humps in streets in the 21st century, even in short cul-de-sacs? Impedances to the flow of traffic in Goole when it can take half an hour to travel quarter of a mile on its main road? That's 0.5 mph: you can walk five times faster! Surely the council could put our rates and taxes to better use. It was a waste of money even requesting our views. No, it couldn't happen, but it has.

Bollards on traffic islands between parked cars: what are they for? It makes parking a bit more problematic. Lumps of tarmac with spaces between for buses and emergency vehicles. There is a problem in Dunhill Road with two humps spaced between two bollards. For any driver to negotiate their wheels in the spaces it is likely they will demolish a line of car wing mirrors.

I have noticed the scheme has made little difference to the speed of traffic. Lorries, vans and most cars travel at their previous speeds, with only a few cars slowing down. I would suggest it is now hazardous for the cyclist, as the motorist doesn't know if they intend to go left, middle or over the top.

It is claimed the scheme cost upward of £400,000 - that's something to remember when the annual seven to 10 per cent rate increases are demanded. Could that sort of money have been better spent to improve Goole? Nearly all streets, roads and cul-de-sacs have cracks and potholes, many pavements and kerbstones substandard. After a downpour the footpath along Rawcliffe Road up to the flyover is only walkable in wellington boots. The site of the late Timm's flour mill is an eyesore and Richard Cooper Street is a joke.

Could we not retain the disputed fired engine for £400, 000? Schools are always short of money and there are now fewer amenities in Goole for the younger generations. I'm sure other people will have their own ideas.

Goole was, or is, known as 'Sleepy Hollow' - I wonder why? It had, or has, a motto: 'Advance'. I wonder why?

Annoyed Resident

Dunhill Road,

Goole

P.S. I saw a motorist break down while driving through Goole last week. Well, he didn't actually break down, he just pulled over and had a good cry.