Residents of an Aberdeen road have raised concerns over their speed bumps being too small to prevent speeding.
Eday Road has had a 20mph speed limit in place since 2006, but those living on the street say it is broken every day by drivers who do not care about the dangers they pose to the residents.
John Green, 65, has lived on the road his whole life. He believes the current speed bumps are too low to properly slow down the cars.
He says the road has been getting busier recently due to people trying to avoid traffic lights and road works on the nearby Lang Stracht.
“I am just waiting for somebody to be killed, I really am. An old-age pensioner or a kid. I am really expecting someone to be knocked down” he said.
“It’s just my opinion that the modern generation doesn’t really care anymore.”
Mr Ian Hogg, 80, is another long-standing on the road. He has raised concerns about speeding in the past.
He said: “Speed bumps don’t make much difference at all. It has been getting worse.”
The situation on Eday Road is made more serious due to the fact Grey Court sheltered housing complex, Fernielea School and Woodend Nursery are on the route.
Speeding can be especially dangerous to those who walk at a slower pace.
Despite the mandatory 20mph speed limit being well-signposted, residents are concerned it is only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.
Mr Green said: “I am concerned whenever the kids have to cross the road in the morning. We used to have a lollipop lady but the council stopped it.
“They have to do something before someone is killed.
“A BMW took its exhaust off on the speed bump coming down just recently.”
Concern raised over cyclist safety
There have also been concerns for the safety of cyclists on the road.
Local Labour councillor Kate Blake said: “Cyclists have expressed concerns to me about Eday Road. They use it as a commuting route because the Lang Stracht is so dangerous.
“However, Eday Road is quite narrow especially with the parked cars and this means cars pass cyclists often too closely.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Martin Greig said: “There has been a history of concern in this area.
“The information on speeding behaviour is shocking. Eday Road is narrow. There are speed bumps but these do not seem to slow down some of the larger cars.”
What should be done about Eday Road?
There have been a number of possible solutions to help cut down on speeding.
The most obvious one includes increasing the size of the speed bumps, another suggested solution is implementing a one-way system.
Mr Greig said: “I have previously followed up these complaints with police and council.
“I would like the council road officials to come and inspect the speed bumps and look at ways of making the road safer.
“Some special attention is needed. It’s a busy road but the carriageways are small.
Despite a council response, Mr Hogg is sceptical they will be able to sort things out.
He said: “I hope something can be done.
“But to be honest I think the council bosses might just come have a look and say no.”
What does the council say?
An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “Following concern expressed by a few residents on Eday Road, a survey to measure vehicular speeds was carried out over a period of nine days, in May 2021, at two locations on its length.
“The collated data indicated the average speed of vehicles was in the range of 16 to 21mph.
“A scan of available collision data recorded by police for the five-year period 2017 to 2021 indicated there have been no recorded collisions that resulted in injury.
“The data above indicates the signs in combination with the physical traffic calming measures are acting to ensure the majority of drivers are exercising due care on these roads.
“Accordingly, we have no plans to make any modifications or adjustments to the current 20mph arrangement.”
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