Bumps And Backs

Sir, - The rampant "ramps" are not what they are called. They are what elsewhere are correctly called "bumps"

Sir, - The rampant "ramps" are not what they are called. They are what elsewhere are correctly called "bumps". A ramp is a gradual slope to ease passage from one level to another. Mounds of concrete, bricks or other hard materials on level roads to impede passage are obviously not ramps.

They are intended to cause discomfort. What causes discomfort and inconvenience to the generality of drivers and passengers inflicts real pain on many sufferers from back troubles and other chronic ailments.

The medical profession tell us that 70 per cent of people endure back pain or other distressing conditions some time in their lives. "Ramps", when driven across even at walking pace, can add to people's insufferable pain.

There are equally effective and more humane ways of encouraging motorists to reduce speed, such as rumble strips, reduced road width and chicanes. I would plead that bumps, misnamed ramps, be abandoned in favour of alternatives which will not add to the suffering of those who already endure enough pain. - Yours, etc.,

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Richie Ryan, Irish Red Cross Society, Merrion Square, Dublin 2.