Council officials are facing criticism over a speed bump on Wigman Road in Nottingham, which residents are labeling as the ‘UK’s most pointless’ due to its partial coverage across the road. Locals argue that the bump has created more hazards as drivers maneuver around it like a slalom course. The traffic-calming measure was implemented on the road, which has a 30mph speed limit and multiple other speed bumps, during the summer. The mile-long stretch that was previously two lanes has now been reduced to a single file with parking bays on the left side.
Nottingham City Council, under Labour control, strategically placed the speed hump directly facing a bungalow that lacks a parking bay due to a dropped kerb and driveway. Video footage shows numerous drivers swerving around the obstacle, which is part of a larger scheme aimed at improving road safety citywide.
Residents are expressing frustration, with Betsey Degraft-Johnson, a long-time resident, highlighting the ineffective and potentially dangerous nature of the speed bump. She noted that drivers continue to speed along the road, especially at night, despite the presence of the bump. The placement of the bump opposite a dropped kerb, which cannot be used as a parking bay, exacerbates the situation with constant vehicle movements.
Local resident Jamie Nicholls shared his confusion, mentioning that he expected the bump to be completed across the entire road. He emphasized the increased danger posed by drivers swerving to avoid the incomplete bump, raising concerns about potential accidents.
Criticism of the decision also came from Carlene Westby, who questioned the logic behind only partially installing the speed bump. Nigel Fleming, a resident, described the situation as pointless, noting the unusual nature of a half-speed bump. Similarly, Cindy Cooke expressed her doubts about the purpose of the speed bump and highlighted safety concerns due to speeding vehicles.
The city council received funding from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) for the speed bump project, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in English cities. A council spokesperson clarified that the partial installation was due to the presence of parking bays and indicated a possible extension of the bump if deemed necessary based on usage patterns and driver behavior.