Motorists on a prosperous street in south London have launched a fierce complaint against the local Labour council, branding newly installed traffic calming measures as 'socialist speed bumps' that allegedly target high-end vehicles.
Measurements Spark Controversy
The dispute centres on Lee Terrace on Belmont Hill in Lewisham, where the council installed speed cushions several months ago to enforce a 20mph limit. However, residents claim the bumps breach the authority's own standards. A report compiled by locals states that council guidelines dictate a speed bump should not exceed 80mm in height. Their survey allegedly found that five of the twelve cushions measured between 100mm and 105mm.
Andrew Thorp, a 59-year-old architect living on the street, told The Telegraph he conducted the research after his Mercedes C-Class estate was repeatedly scraped by the humps, despite driving 'very slowly'. "We are paying for the bumps with our council tax, and then paying for the damage to our cars," he said.
Ferraris Forced to Crawl
Another resident, 67-year-old Steve Emmott, reported difficulty driving his Ferrari on the road. He stated he must reduce his speed to just 3-5mph to navigate the bumps safely, claiming that straddling them would "take the underside" of his car out. Mr Emmott, like others, expressed support for traffic calming in principle but criticised the excessive size of these specific measures.
Mr Thorp expanded on his 'socialist' label, suggesting vehicles like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, Toyota Aygo and Volkswagen Mini were most vulnerable to damage. He also contrasted the council's focus on diversity policies with what he sees as a lack of inclusivity in travel, stating: "roads are for everyone."
Council Defends Road Safety Priority
In response, Lewisham Council insisted that all cushions are now within permitted sizes. A spokesman explained the bumps were introduced because average speeds remained "significantly over the limit" despite signage. They follow national guidelines allowing heights up to 100mm and meet Department for Transport standards.
The authority acknowledged that earlier this year, three cushions around Belmont Hill and Lee Terrace were identified as needing adjustment. These have now been rectified at the contractor's expense. The council asserts all cushions can be crossed safely by all vehicles at 15–20mph, though driving faster may cause scraping.
Highlighting the need for safety with a school and hospital nearby, the spokesman said: "Our priority remains safer roads for all road users." The design allows buses to straddle the cushions unimpeded. The council is also monitoring for potential noise issues and has pledged to continue listening to residents' concerns.
Notably, opposition has come from beyond motorists. Lewisham Cyclists, part of the London Cycling Campaign, has also objected, warning that vehicles swerving around the cushions creates a new danger for people on bikes.
