Anambra Government Bans Construction of Speed Bumps, Vows to Remove Existing Ones Across State

By Staff Reporter

The Anambra State Government has announced a statewide ban on the construction of speed bumps on public roads, declaring that existing speed breakers will be removed as part of efforts to preserve road infrastructure and improve traffic flow.

The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, during an inspection of ongoing road projects across the state.

According to the commissioner, the indiscriminate construction of speed bumps by individuals, communities and organizations has become a major factor contributing to the deterioration of roads, prompting the government to take decisive action.

“Speed bumps are destroying our roads. The Anambra State Government will remove every unauthorized speed bump across the state to protect our road infrastructure,” Ezeobi said.

He stressed that no individual, community, association or private organization has the legal authority to erect speed breakers on public roads without government approval.

The commissioner warned that anyone found constructing speed bumps on public roads would be violating the law and could face prosecution.

“The construction of speed breakers on public roads without government approval is now a punishable offence under the laws of Anambra State. Residents should desist from such acts immediately.”

Government Prioritises Road Preservation

Ezeobi explained that the state government is investing heavily in road construction and rehabilitation, making it necessary to protect the lifespan of newly completed roads.

He noted that poorly designed or illegally constructed speed bumps can damage road surfaces, obstruct smooth traffic movement and increase maintenance costs.

The government, he said, would continue to deploy engineering solutions and lawful traffic-calming measures where necessary instead of allowing indiscriminate construction of speed breakers.

Decision Sparks Public Debate

The announcement has generated mixed reactions among residents, motorists and road safety advocates.

While many welcomed the decision, arguing that unauthorized speed bumps often damage vehicles, increase travel time and contribute to road deterioration, others expressed concern that their removal could lead to an increase in road crashes, particularly in residential areas, schools, markets and densely populated communities.

Some residents argued that speed bumps have played a significant role in compelling motorists to slow down on accident-prone roads.

“Many of these speed bumps have saved lives by forcing reckless drivers to reduce speed. Removing them without providing alternative traffic-calming measures may increase accidents,” one resident said.

Others called on the government to replace illegal speed bumps with professionally designed traffic-calming infrastructure, including rumble strips, pedestrian crossings, warning signs, traffic lights and speed cameras.

Balancing Safety and Infrastructure

Road safety experts have long maintained that while traffic-calming devices are essential in certain locations, they should be designed and installed in accordance with engineering standards to avoid creating new hazards or damaging road infrastructure.

Residents are now urging the state government to engage communities before removing existing speed bumps, particularly in locations with a history of fatal road crashes.

As public debate continues, many believe the success of the policy will depend on the government’s ability to balance road preservation with the safety of motorists, pedestrians and school children.

The Anambra State Government has yet to announce a timeline for the removal of existing speed bumps or outline the alternative traffic management measures that will be introduced.