MOTORISTS claim controversial speed bumps are causing severe damage to their cars.
Those in Southfield Avenue, Scartho, and surrounding streets talk of expensive repair bills – and one driver claims he had to replace all four suspension springs in just a year.
The speed bumps were put in by North East Lincolnshire Council in 2001 to stop the road being used as a rat-run between Louth Road and Waltham Road.
Speed limits were also reduced to 20mph and road-narrowing gates used.
But while initially the speed restrictions were welcomed by residents, upon completion in 2001, they then noticed damage to cars' suspension.
Council figures also show that between 2005 and 2011, more than £3,550 has been spent repairing and replacing damaged speed bumps.
As reported, a petition signed by more than 50 residents, calling for the removal of the speed bumps, will be presented to the council's portfolio holder for environment Peter Wheatley at a meeting at Grimsby Town Hall, on Tuesday.
Eastfield Avenue resident Doug Tamtlin thinks the speed bumps are too severe.
He said: "We are not against having the speed bumps and the restrictions. They are needed.
"But these are too severe. You're supposed to be able to drive over them at 20mph, but if you do you will break your car.
"These bumps are unique, there is nothing else like them in Grimsby.
"I have been told by a council worker that to remove the bumps would cost £10,000 for each one."
Doug also claims there are no warning signs for either the speed restrictions or the speed bumps.
He said: "You see a 20mph sign at the end of the street but there are no other signs, so people forget that's the speed limit.
"There are no warning signs for the bumps either. The cost of repairing the bumps must be astronomical. I have never known speed bumps needing as much fixing as these."
Fellow resident Doug Robinson claims the bumps are too high.
He said: "The maximum height for a speed bump is 75mm above the road surface and they are clearly higher.
"When they were originally planning where to place the bumps they wanted to put one right outside my house.
"The bump would have stopped me being able to take my caravan off my drive. When I started to fight against the placement, a lot of residents came forward to say they hadn't received any information on the speed reduction proposals."
Ward councillor for Scartho, Ron Shephard, said: "The bumps are constantly being broken and repaired. The approach is too high and this is causing cars to bottom out.
"I think as well that, towing hitches on caravans and trailers are hitting the bumps, which is breaking the bricks.
"I would like to see something done about them. If not removed, then have them altered."
However, not all residents are behind the campaign.
In a letter to the Grimsby Telegraph, Sid of Scartho said: "I have not been approached for a view on this matter and, being a resident, I think I should have been.
"Before their introduction, cars speeding down Southfield Road had to brake dramatically if unseen traffic was approaching from the other direction."
A spokesman for the council said: "There are currently no plans to remove or alter the speed calming measures."
