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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Marcus Hughes

These new speed bumps have been installed on a Welsh road but they aren't what they seem

Drivers heading down this road in Wales were recently surprised to see new speed bumps had been installed.

But those who slowed down expecting the familiar bump as their wheels hit the traffic calming measure were flummoxed when they felt nothing at all.

On closer inspection from the pavement, it's clear these "speed bumps" aren't what they seem.

They have been specially designed to look like normal humps in the road, when in fact they are just painted on.

The unusual "phantom" speed bumps appeared on the A472 Mafon Road through the town of Nelson in the County Borough of Caerphilly.

From the pavement it is clear the speed bumps aren't real (Richard Swingler)

Caerphilly council said the three dimensional illusions were added to the road alongside a pedestrian-controlled crossing as part of the Ty Du housing development.

The speed limit along the stretch of road has been reduced from 40mph to 30mph to ensure the safe operation of the new crossing.

They say the markings are intended to give a "reminder" to drivers of the new speed limit, but because the road is a major route "actual speed bumps are not appropriate".

They have been put there because a new speed limit has been put in place (Richard Swingler)

Although they might seem strange, motoring journalist Colin Barnett said they are actually used quite frequently.

"They are not uncommon," Mr Barnett said. "People think they are real so they are supposed to slow down.

"I have got no problem with them. They are better than the real thing, they don't damage your car so much.

"After a while they become less effective, but you could say that about a lot of things.

"If it has slowed down a few drivers then it is worth the effort."

These kinds of fake speed bumps have been used elsewhere in the country.

Drivers are becoming wise to the illusory speed humps (Richard Swingler)

Transport for London trialled the illusory markings in Newham in 2014, and rolled them out for a wider trial across the city in 2017, according to MirrorOnline .

A Caerphilly County Borough Council spokeswoman said: "A pedestrian controlled crossing has been installed on Mafon Road, Nelson as part of the Ty Du Development.

"The speed limit through this section has been reduced from 40mph to 30mph to ensure the safe operation of the new crossing and, as an additional safety feature, ‘speed hump’ markings have also been employed.

"The markings are intended to give a reminder to drivers that there is a new limit in effect and to monitor their speed. This is a major route therefore actual speed humps are not appropriate."

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