RESIDENTS in Great Houghton are demanding ‘urgent action’ over dangerous speed bumps 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 bumps.
The traffic calming measures, which are based on Rotherham Road and High Street, 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 with 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 bumps 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 permanent solution - and are planning to submit a petition in the near future.
The group say they have collected extensive photographic evidence showing speed bumps lifting from the road surface, creating trip hazards and causing damage to vehicles.
Despite warnings, residents say the response from the authorities has been limited to temporary, with 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, 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 and 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: "We met with the Great Houghton Voluntary Residents' Group in July to discuss their concerns around the existing traffic calming measures in the village.
"We understand their concerns and are investigating how these can be addressed in a way that ensures the safety of all road users in Great Houghton.
“We want to make sure we find the right solution for the people of Great Houghton, so we will be meeting with the group again when investigations are concluded to discuss the findings and next steps.”
