Calls by a senior Cornwall councillor to scrap speed bumps have received a mixed response from the public, writes local democracy reporter Richard Whitehouse.

Philip Desmonde, Cabinet member for transport at Cornwall Council, was asked about the issue at a meeting of full council on Tuesday.

The Conservative councillor said that he would like to see speed bumps removed and claimed they are a danger to health and the environment.

Cllr Desmonde said that he would rather see more signage, cameras and enforcement used to tackle speeding drivers rather than installing humps.

His comments have prompted a lively debate on social media.

David Armistead looked to Europe for an alternative to speed bumps.

“In many places in France they have planted hedges along the roadside, effectively narrowing the road and making the environment attractive too. OK, it has to be trimmed once or twice a year, but traffic slows, the place looks better and drivers are not irritated.”

And another commenter was also in agreement with Cllr Desmonde.

“Can’t stand speed bumps, a lot of cars can straddle them and go over without slowing down. Average speed cameras would be better. Speed bumps are so bad for your car and tyres as well as they don’t get serviced very often and they break up. Think they cause more problems than they solve.”

This was echoed by Adam Presneill. “They’re absolutely pointless, taller cars can just go straight over them without slowing down at all doing whatever speed they like, yet lower cars have to come to almost a standstill to get over them without scraping.”

But Frankie Warren described as “codswallop” the claim that speed bumps cause a danger to health through accelerating and decelerating.

“Speed bumps work as they were intended to, they slow vehicles – fact,” he said.

“Without them, watch the speeding increase, plus the accident statistics will undoubtedly rise.”

However Speed cameras would be much better.”

And another commenter wanted MORE speed bumps, not fewer: “The speed they come down my street is ridiculous,” said Nay Blight.

“I actually fear for my toddler’s safety when stepping out my front door.”

Speed bumps – love them or hate them? What do you think? Write to us at [email protected]