Lawmakers Move To Regulate Erection Of Speed Bumps On Anambra Roads

Raymond Ozoji, Awka

The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on Governor Willie Obiano to direct the commissioners of works and transport to regulate incessant and indiscriminate erection of speed breakers on state roads to reduce mishaps.

The call which was made over the weekend, was contained in the motion sponsored by the lawmaker representing Ogbaru one state constituency, Hon. Chukwunonso Noble Igwe.

Igwe observed that although speed breakers helped in curtailing over-speeding and wrongful driving, he maintained that caution must be taken in the construction of speed breakers in order not to negate the very essence of the measure.

He said that speed breakers could be inserted in market squares, school areas, sharp bends, hospital areas and some other places with population densities so that the bumps could compel motorists to reduce their speed as they approach such places.

But the lawmaker expressed deep concern at the rate in which speed breakers were being erected indiscriminately on the roads, mentioning that there were about 50 speed bumps on Ajali-Umunze road. He equally referred to Umuoji road, where he observed that the heights of the speed breakers were unconventional and life-threatening.

Igwe was concerned that the erectors of the speed breakers did not put signs that indicated that motorists should slow down while approaching the bumps, suggesting that speed breakers should be painted with reflective colours to enable motorists to identify them at night.

The lawmaker noted that although speed breakers played very significant role in speed reductions, he emphasized that there was need to regulate their sizes and shapes to curb unnecessary road traffic crashes.