Concerns have been raised that speed humps installed on a Wallingford street following resurfacing work contravene regulations, with the council confirming it is looking into the matter.

Residents and other road users have flagged that the traffic calming features on Wantage Road exceed the maximum allowable height and create an unpleasant driving experience, even when travelling at permitted speeds.

Under the Highways (road humps) Regulations 1999, speed bumps must not exceed 10 centimetres in height. Driving instructor Graeme Rolfe, based in Crowmarsh Gifford, reported that the humps on Wantage Road surpass this threshold.

Rolfe commented that the road surface causes significant discomfort when driving over it, and that drivers of larger vehicles still feel the jarring effects. He noted that many motorists have resorted to travelling along the centre of the road to bypass the humps, despite the potential safety implications.

Reports have been submitted through Oxfordshire County Council’s FixMyStreet reporting system, which allows residents to flag highways issues.

One anonymous submission stated that while the speed humps appear designed to slow traffic, vehicles can simply travel down the middle of the road to miss them entirely. The reporter observed this occurring frequently at all hours, whereas previously the bumps were positioned closer together, forcing drivers to reduce speed and pass over them directly.

Some local residents have indicated they now completely avoid Wantage Road because of the humps, which they describe as unpleasant. This includes Wallingford’s Mayor Ros Lester, who reported using the bypass route instead.

The road received new surfacing in October of the previous year, though the speed bumps have not yet been adjusted despite the complaints.

An Oxfordshire County Council representative stated that the authority appreciates residents bringing concerns to its attention. Some corrective work has already been carried out following completion of the resurfacing project, and inspectors will attend the location to assess whether additional work is required.

A response to the FixMyStreet reports indicated that removal priorities would be established based on risk levels and associated issues, evaluated individually. Immediate intervention would only occur where features present a direct and immediate hazard to road users.

Rolfe expressed the view that this response amounted to the council disregarding the fact that the contractor had installed the humps illegally and had no intention of addressing the problem. He added that he was uncertain why the council was reluctant to resolve the issue, speculating that they may be prioritising pothole repairs due to public complaints, though he described this as a separate matter. Rolfe concluded that the condition of local roads is disgraceful and that Oxfordshire County Council should be held responsible.