RESIDENTS in Great Houghton are demanding ‘urgent action’ over dangerous speed cushions in their area - after a survey revealed 80 per cent of people wanted something to change.

More than 50 complaints have been made to Barnsley Council since January 2023 regarding concerns around the safety of two speed humps.

The traffic calming measures, which are based on Rotherham Road and High Street in Great Houghton, have been the subject of concern from residents.

A Freedom of Information request, seen by the Chronicle, shows that 19 calls have been made regarding the Rotherham Road site, and 46 in regards to the High Street location.

It also revealed that since January 2023, the council have been out to repair the High Street site seven times, and Rotherham Road five.

Further information has revealed that the council received four damage claims in relation to the speed cushions and have had to pay out a total of £150.

But the Great Houghton Voluntary Residents’ Group (GHVRG) have called on the council to find a solution - and are planning to submit a petition in the near future.

The group say they have collected extensive photographic evidence showing speed cushions lifting from the road surface, creating trip hazards and causing vehicle damage.

Some bolts have been found loose or completely missing. Despite these warnings, residents say the response from the authorities has been limited to temporary, ineffective repairs or silence.

A spokesperson said: “The bolts securing these cushions keep coming loose, and some are physically lifting from the road.

“This is not only damaging cars, but it’s also a major safety hazard for all road users.”

In response to the ongoing inaction, the GHVRG conducted a village-wide survey which drew significant participation from local residents.

The results indicate overwhelming dissatisfaction with the current traffic-calming measures, as well as growing concern over the impact on air and noise pollution.

Key findings from the survey show that more than 80 per cent believe the speed cushions are in a poor or dangerous state and a significant number of residents believe the cushions are ineffective at reducing speed.

Residents are calling for an urgent review and for alternative traffic-calming solutions to be introduced, such as speed tables or chicanes that are safer and more effective.

The spokesperson added: “We’ve tried all the right channels - meetings, emails, consultations - but we’re not being listened to.

“This issue is damaging vehicles and trust in local government.

“It’s time for those responsible to take our concerns seriously.

“We are not against traffic calming - we’re in favour of road safety.

“But these broken cushions do the opposite.

“We want solutions that work for both drivers and pedestrians, not quick fixes that continue to fail.”

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, told the Chronicle that the current measures are appropriate.

He added: “We understand residents’ concerns, appreciate their engagement on this issue and will continue to engage constructively to address those concerns.

“The speed cushions in Great Houghton are inspected monthly and repaired as needed.

“They fully comply with Department for Transport guidelines and are used successfully across the borough.

“Speed surveys show most vehicles travel near the 30mph limit, which shows that the speed cushions are effective at reducing vehicle speeds and improving road safety.

“All engineering solutions to address road safety concerns must be supported by robust and verifiable data to justify works being carried out, which is not the case at this location.

“It is only right and in the broader public interest that we focus our limited resources into parts of the network where data shows that road users have been killed or seriously injured, which is the same approach used by National Highways and every local authority in the country.

“Speed cushions are the most appropriate solution for this bus route, minimising discomfort for passengers and allowing better access for emergency services.

” A petition to remove them was reviewed in May 2024, and the conclusion remains that they are the most suitable form of traffic calming for this location.”