IT is interesting to note that at a time when local authorities up and down the country are recognising the wisdom of the use of speed humps as traffic calming devices, that Halton is now spending what must be a lot of money on installing these irritating objects in the Upton Rocks area and in Birchfield Road.

The increase in pollution from cars using lower gears, the damage to suspensions and exhausts plus the increase in noise levels for residents has persuaded other authorities to consider removing these humps and, in some cases, have started to do so.

There are other methods of traffic calming which are 'greener' and just as effective.

Why does our council not think these through?

I anticipate that the residents of these areas blighted by these humps will express their opinions in the ballot box in the local election next year.

Geoffrey Swift, Widnes