Regulating illegal slowdowns for road safety improvements?
In the heart of Toulon, Var, a man's life has been turned upside down due to an illegal speed hump. The resident, who used to be an avid motorcyclist, sustained a severe leg injury when he fell off his bike on the speed hump in May 2023.
Since then, he has been struggling to move around, forced to use a cane and giving up his real estate business. The man is concerned about the safety of the speed hump, stating that putting people's lives in danger is unacceptable.
The speed hump in question does not comply with the rules regarding speed limit, high traffic volume, presence of public transport, and proximity to an emergency service center. According to the man's statements, made in a report, the speed hump is abnormal, poorly constructed, and slippery.
The "For a Serene and Sustainable Mobility" association, a local advocacy group, has also voiced its concern. Thierry Modolo-Dominati, spokesperson for the association, observes that the speed hump ticks all the boxes for illegality due to the high traffic volume and other factors.
The association demands the removal of all non-compliant speed humps, echoing the sentiments of the man affected by the illegal speed hump. They argue that the safety of road users, whether pedestrians or cyclists, should always be prioritised.
The Ministry of Transport, however, refuses to remove non-compliant speed humps and is working on new, simpler norms to keep them. Road safety emphasizes the importance of pedestrian survival at 30 km/h, a speed that the speed hump in Toulon may not facilitate.
The man's case is not unique. There are approximately 450,000 illegal speed humps in France, although it is not specified if this number includes the one in Muy (Var). In 2024, a first municipality in the Var was ordered to remove two speed humps declared illegal by the justice system.
Citizens can lodge complaints with local prefectures or transport departments if illegal speed humps are suspected. Courts may be engaged to resolve disputes or claims for damages related to non-standard humps. Enforcement is handled by local authorities with potential judicial involvement if disputes arise.
The rules on speed humps in France are strict. Speed humps must adhere to defined standards in terms of height, width, slope, and spacing to be legal. Installations must be clearly signposted and visible to approaching drivers to avoid accidents. Permits or authorization from local road authorities or municipalities are generally required before installation on public roads.
The consequences of illegal speed humps can be severe. Legal actions can be taken against the party responsible for the installation, municipalities, contractors, or private entities, if speed humps are installed without permission or do not meet regulatory standards. Affected users can demand removal or modification of illegal speed humps. Liability may arise for damage to vehicles or accidents caused by non-compliant installations. Municipal authorities have powers to enforce removal and can impose fines or sanctions.
As the debate over illegal speed humps continues, the case in Toulon serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users.
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