EDDIE Dicker does not like speed humps. But then, who does?

They ruin good roads, have been said by Mr Dicker to damage cars, they cause noise and pollution, are a pain in the back and undoubtedly slow down essential services which could result in loss of life -- although I haven't heard that this has happened yet.

So why do we need speed humps? Why do councils throughout the land waste money and ruin roads? Because it is the only way they can slow down idiotic motorists.

In Bolton last year, nine people were killed on our roads. Three were elderly people and three were children -- vulnerable people who do not always think before they act. These are the ones we need to protect, Mr Dicker.

Some people prefer the use of speed cameras and I tend to agree with them, but they do not physically slow drivers down as humps do.

This is proved by the increasing number of fines resulting from cameras. Cameras have reduced the number of accidents by 35 per cent, according to the latest Transport Ministry figures.

Mr Dicker says humps are not working because he "personally witnessed" youths driving at speed over them. Can I ask Mr Dicker what he would do to stop vehicles like these driving at speed through built-up areas?

Removing humps won't stop them, nor will cameras, or even driving bans.

Humps do slow down the vast majority of drivers, and should, by their very presence, remind drivers why they are there. Of course, when we can trust motorists to drive within the speed limits, we can have our level roads back. But don't hold you breath, Eddie.

Brian Derbyshire

Ribchester Grove

Bolton