Intelligent Speed Humps

[bigman]

Interesting idea although a bit costly.


http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...857805,00.html

Soft-hearted humps gain ground

“Intelligent” speed bumps that flatten out for motorists who are driving under the speed limit could soon be introduced by councils across Britain. The Transcalm bumps, made of rubber, include a valve system that detects vehicle speeds and remain rigid for those breaking the limit.
Dunlop, which developed the system in association with Cambridge University, is in discussion with local authorities including Birmingham and several London boroughs and plans to install up to 1,000 before the end of next year. It claims the bumps, which cost between £2,500 and £4,000, have “none of the disadvantages of conventional road humps”.

Motorists have long complained of damage to their cars from solid humps and bus drivers have sued councils over back injuries. The London Ambulance Service estimates that 500 lives are lost each year due to increased response times, which it attributes largely to speed bumps. The Transcalm humps, which have been successfully tested in the City of London, deflate regardless of speed for emergency vehicles.

“They eliminate stop-start driving so cars use less fuel and as they’re made of rubber they are less likely to damage vehicles,” said a Dunlop Transcalm spokesman. “We have had a lot of interest from councils in this country and in Denmark and Sweden.”

[gr8guzzler]

Nice idea, but will it actually work....???

Questions that immediately come to my mind are...

* What if there is one vehicle at below speed limit and another above it passing through simultaneously?
* Since they are made of rubber, will anyone really slow down for them?

[Badcheetah]

Hey Big Man ,

Nice find yaar , but do you seriously think some one would be implemented this in the INDIAN METRO's even ??? NOPE . to start with they have to give us proper roads . and then think about speed breakers .

But one thing is for sure if you send this link to the trasnport minister , he might just a deligation to LONDON courtsey the Tax Payers Hard earned and willing or unvilingly given tax money for a feasability study tour . and come back a lot of Phirangi Stuff for his house .
LOL .

But serously nice idea . Dont kow how practcle it will be even in London.

May be our Grand children might enjoy those roads and those Bumps .

[bigman]

Badcheetah

We sure do need proper roads before we can even think about these speed humps.

Good one about the ministers. I guess I could write to Laloo. I am sure he would be willing to look at these speed bumps for the railways.

[AvinashKeezh]

this is for a place wherein bus drivers sue concil because of the damage caused to their backs due to the road humps ..
so we'd rather not talk of that being put in any of the indian cities!

ak