An assessor will review Dundee’s most notorious speed bumps which have caused extensive damage to residents’ cars.
As revealed in December, car owners in City Quay have slammed speed bumps on West Victoria Dock Road and South Victoria Dock Road.
It is claimed the bumps are causing “thousands of pounds” worth of damage to cars due to their shape and the material from which they are made.
Locals claim, despite taking precautions, the bottom of their cars are consistently scraped, leading to lasting damage to vehicle suspension.
The bumps have become so notorious homeowners say taxi drivers refuse to drive over them and instead drop passengers outside the area’s Apex Hotel.
Though no date has been confirmed for the assessor’s visit, community council members were told at a recent meeting that Dundee City Council’s transport department has confirmed an inspection will be taking place.
Taxi driver Gregor Ross welcomed the news and said, while he is prepared to drive over the bumps, in doing so he is regularly forced to spend money fixing his car.
Mr Ross said: “My drive shaft has gone four times and I have reason to believe it’s the bumps at City Quay which are doing it. My mechanic has said the same.
“I take a lot of fares in City Quay and would never not go over them. But when I drive over them and along to the far end of City Quay, they do a lot of damage.
“I’ve got to pay for the repairs from my own pocket. They are a real problem.”
Mr Ross added that he feels various streets in the city need to be addressed.
George Harris, a partner of taxi firm Tay Taxis, described the bumps as a “joke”.
He added: “There’s been a few of our drivers caught out by the bumps.
“I think they must have been designed by a cyclist.
“The speed bumps are only one of the issues on the roads, but they are a bit of a joke.”
City Quay resident Fahd Ali Asif, who has along with his neighbours complained of damage to his car, said he hopes the move is proof the council is determined to address the “nuisance”.
He said: “It is encouraging to hear that an independent assessor has been appointed to investigate the situation as we’ve been told in the past that the council has looked at the speed bumps and concluded that they are fit for purpose.
“A large number of current and previous residents have come out in support of changing the layout and design of these speed bumps and it can be argued that these have cost the community thousands of pounds in unnecessary car repair bills.
“I am hopeful that a reasonable solution can be found for this nuisance.”
Local councillor Lynne Short said the development proves the area’s community council is giving local people a voice.
She said: “Again, this proves the importance of the community having a voice and coming together. If people have interests in their community then the community council can help them.
“It’s important for residents,but businesses as well and I was pleased to tell taxi drivers at a recent dinner that we are working with them on the speed bumps.”
Dundee City Council said it is “continuing to monitor the situation”.
