Speed humps cause pain and suffering to those with bad backs

5:31pm Monday 24th November 2003

I have recently heard that the GLA's transport committee is seeking views of road humps on the capital's streets.

I am writing because I feel strongly that they should be removed and alternative means found to slow traffic as humps fail miserably in that respect.

Drivers no doubt complain about the damage humps cause to their vehicles, necessitating repairs more frequently and of a more serious nature, such as exhaust pipes needing to be replaced sooner and more often than before humps were introduced.

However, humps also cause or exacerbate problems for those suffering with bad backs. I have severe spondylosis and osteoarthritis in my neck and spine.

The jolting to my neck and back when driving over road humps is considerable and either sets up or adds to the excruciating pain I suffer.

If I had the money and were not so ill, I would seek legal advice about starting proceedings against the London Borough of Barnet (and other local authorities along whose roads I travel) for compensation for the pain and suffering I endure and which is caused directly by councils and the road humps for which they are responsible.

Stephen Harris
Lawrence Avenue, Mill Hill