TRAFFIC-calming measures that have given West End residents the hump for many months are to be modified.

Speed restriction cushions and "build-outs" were provided along Telegraph Road, West End Road and Upper New Road early last year to reduce accidents and boost pedestrian safety.

But residents claim the road humps have not been as effective as anticipated in slowing down drivers and have been noisy, particularly at night.

In a deputation to Hampshire county councillors, local resident Simon Bell, said vehicles bumping over and accelerating away from the speed cushion outside his home at Telegraph Road, had disturbed his sleep for the past six months.

He said: "Several of the humps are completely ineffective for the majority of cars using the road. The noise is really bad and there is the pollution caused by hard acceleration."

Fellow resident Natalie Smith, claimed there had been an alarming number of incidents of cars mounting the pavements, and additional signs were needed warning motorists to slow down.

Deputy county surveyor David Tarrant told the roads and development sub-committee two sets of speed cushions in Telegraph Road would be replaced with full-width road humps in a bid to resolve the problems.

He suggested that the build-outs also be reviewed and modifications be carried out, if necessary. But Mr Tarrant stressed overall the traffic management scheme had been successful in cutting speed in the area, as well as improving safety and the general environment for local residents.

He added: "It is too soon to highlight statistically significant accident data, but early indications are that the accident situation is also improving," he added.

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