Concerns have been raised by residents in Gloucestershire about the impact of speed bumps on driver behaviour along the lower High Street in Cinderford, near the community hospital. Reports of accidents and near-misses have sparked calls for a redesign of the current road safety measures.
Reform UK councillor Ray Donaghue, representing Cinderford, highlighted that approximately 55,000 vehicles pass through this stretch weekly. He expressed worry that despite the speed cushions meeting official safety standards, they appear to provoke reckless actions from drivers who weave to avoid them or brake unpredictably.
“While these speed cushions technically pass official safety measures, the reality on the ground tells a completely different story,” said Councillor Donaghue. “We are seeing repeated accidents and near-misses because the design seems to encourage unpredictable driver behaviour. Vehicles are weaving to avoid the bumps or braking sporadically. It seems to have increased road risk rather than lowering it.”
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He further criticised the situation, suggesting that a cost-saving decision by a developer might have led to the flawed scheme, inflicting unnecessary risks and distress on local residents. Donaghue also voiced frustration over stretched highways budgets, which may delay any redesign unless a serious injury or fatality occurs.
Lee Baldwin, a member of the Cinderford High Street Action Group, has written to Gloucestershire County Council describing the situation as “appalling” and worsening. He noted that speed humps were installed instead of a previously proposed roundabout outside the hospital, resulting in speed humps covering the entire stretch of the lower High Street.
“This has caused reckless driving as people actually speed up to drive over them because they say you don’t feel them so much inside the car,” Baldwin explained. “Also, people are driving around them and swerving onto the opposite side of the road at speed in front of oncoming traffic. We have had several accidents because of this.” He added that motorists have been overtaking in risky ways, including going around bollards to dodge the humps, posing further dangers.
Baldwin urged the council to take action before an accident causes serious harm.
Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Whyborn, responsible for road safety for the Benhall and Up Hatherley area, responded to the concerns by emphasising that road safety remains a priority for the council. He stated that the scheme near Cinderford hospital was designed and approved through a comprehensive planning process, including independent road safety audits.
“The measures were not chosen on the basis of cost. Although the developer funded the works, the county council’s requirements are based on road safety, design standards and long-term maintenance considerations,” said Councillor Whyborn.
He acknowledged that certain speed cushions required remedial work after installation, with the developer actively addressing and continuing to resolve maintenance issues.
“Monitoring shows vehicle speeds have reduced and are now more consistent with the 30mph speed limit,” he added. “Our road safety team has confirmed there have been no recorded injury collisions at this location since 2024. We will continue to review any new evidence and ensure any outstanding maintenance issues are addressed.”