Locals air views on Dumfries speed bump proposals

Nov 4 2009 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

A hump too far?

DUMFRIES could become speed hump Mecca to curb dangerous motorists and drive down the speed limit.

And the town centre would also become a 20mph zone under council travel plans. Bank Street, Irish Street, Newall Terrace, Rae Street and Queen Street are among several streets all being included in a widespread introduction of the speed limits. And the plan is for the zones to spread from as far as Brewery Street to Nunholm Road. The Standard has been out on the streets of Dumfries asking local people what they think of the traffic calming measures.

Joseph Hutton from Lochmaben believes speed bumps will help curb dangerous drivers.

He said: “I think the introduction of speed bumps in Dumfries is a great idea.

“Any traffic calming measure is a good thing and will make the streets safer for drivers and pedestrians.”

Craig Gordon from Dumfries said: “Speed bumps would definitely improve the safety of the roads.

“During lunch time these streets can be really busy with school children and it would be safer if there was a 20mph speed restriction as well as speed bumps.”

Mary Strawbridge from Dumfries disagrees.

She said: “Speed bumps are not the answer.

“There are enough speed bumps in Dumfries.

“The town centre is always congested with traffic and by putting down more bumps would only make this problem worse.

“The council should be trying to keep the traffic flowing not making it slower.”

James Ingram from Dumfries says it would prevent boy racers from flaunting the law. He said: “Some motorists drive far too fast up and down these streets and introducing speed bumps and 20mph zones would help solve that problem.

“I think it is a great idea.”