Humps or bumps – Gert wants them gone!

Speed humps and bumps in Newcastle are illegal.

This is the claim from resident, Gert Smit, after his personal investigation into traffic calming in Newcastle turned up more questions than answers.

Standing at one of the Impala Street humps, he elaborated.

Claiming speed bumps (smaller, more rounded than speed humps) had become a hazard to mostly smaller vehicles, Mr Smit believed relevant process had not been followed.

“If you want traffic calming devices, a study on average traffic, frequency of collisions and general speed has to be done.”

Referring specifically to the Impala Street humps, Mr Smit said signboards leading up to the device had to bear a warning plus a recommended speed, and the humps themselves were lacking adequate chevrons.

In order for the humps to be visible at all times, he continued, it was a failure.

“The Municipality would need to remove this tree overheard and have a street light directly above.”

These and more concerns regarding speed humps and bumps reportedly not adhering to regulation, were mentioned in a letter to the Municipality many months ago.

To date, there is no response from the Communications Department.

In light of this lack of response, Mr Smit said he had support from local businesses in respect of taking the matter further if need be.

“We can make this a legal matter, if it comes to it,” he warned.