LOW SLUNG: Eddie Dicker's classic 1962 Ford Capri cannot negotiate the planned speed humps in his road

I HAVE read in the last few days the plight of classic car owner Eddie Dicker who is concerned his low-bodied car would be damaged if the council go ahead with the proposed installation of road humps in his area.

I have just read a reply by John Evans, head of highway management for Bolton Council, who assures Mr Dicker that he will not have a problem as they are national standard 3-inch flat top gradual slope, bus-friendly humps. Friendly humps?

These are mounds of tarmacadam every few yards which even at low speeds lurch you back and forward, and up and down in your seat, and in the long term probably cause considerable damage to your car. The other result of these humps is they deter drivers from using roads fitted with them, which brings me to my main point.

If we go back a few years, we had some residential areas pedestrianised, then more recently smaller streets fitted with road humps. Then the Bolton motorist was hit with what the council said were "measures to improve the traffic flow in Bolton". We got cycle lanes, bus lanes, lined-off sections of road, extended bus stops, narrowed roads, pedestrian lights that don't flash amber and so on. Measures to improve the flow of traffic? You couldn't make it up if you tried.

Added to this they are now fitting road humps to even larger lanes and roads which makes it perfectly clear the intention is to cause the motorist, discomfort, delay, frustration and inconvenience.

This council, along with the Government, considers the car driver public enemy number one. They want you out of your car and on to unreliable, expensive, and, quite often, unroadworthy public transport.

(Name and address supplied)

-- but Bolton motorists, you can have say.

Next time you are gridlocked in Astley Bridge, Daubhill, Tonge Moor, or you are being wrenched out of your seat driving along Highfield Road, Farnworth, just remember that you have a massive local vote. When the next local elections come along, use it to remove this arrogant, patronising, and well-past-its-sell-by-date, Labour-run council Another disturbing thought that comes to mind is, what happens when you need an ambulance or the fire brigade? Vital seconds, even minutes, could be lost as they are held up in traffic, or slowed down by humps.