PLANS for 36 speed bumps on a Dunbar road have been scrapped after being panned by members of the community.

Consultation looking at the possibility of 174 speed bumps being put in place across the county took place over the festive period.

Among those suggested for speed bumps was Dunbar’s Back Road, which would have seen 36 bumps put in place, with a further 10 on neighbouring Shore Road.

Councillor Michael Veitch, the local authority’s spokesman for transport, told the Courier that the idea “almost certainly will not be happening”.

Mr Veitch said: “I think it is very unlikely to happen.

“Clearly there did not seem to be any local support for this to happen.

“If local people do not want these measures then these measures should not be taken.

“A better use of money may be to try to extend the path on Back Road.” Currently, the footpath, which runs along North Road, stops next to the junction with Knockenhair Road.

Mr Veitch said that decision could ultimately come down to funding but there appeared to be greater support at the community council meeting for that idea than putting in speed bumps.

The scheme did not meet with the favour of the town’s Community and Police Partnership meeting in January.

Pippa Swan, chairwoman of Dunbar Shore and Harbour Residents Association and a community councillor in the town, felt alternative action could be taken before the introduction of speed bumps.

She said: “I travel that road many times a week and I’ve never been aware of any speeding [though] we know there is one culprit.” At that time, she suggested a ‘driver feedback sign’ could instead be put in place in a bid to get motorists to drive at an appropriate speed, particularly when there were pedestrians nearby.

A council spokesman said: “Following the completion of the consultation period, and a review of the responses received, it has been decided not to proceed with this year’s Residential Traffic Calming contract at the majority of locations proposed.

“In particular, residents and representative groups in Dunbar and Pencaitland were almost unanimous in their opposition to the introduction of traffic calming on the streets proposed in their areas.

“Responses mostly suggest the introduction of 20mph limits or speed reactive signs as more appropriate alternatives for residential areas.

“There was very limited response from residents of the other locations.

“In view of the consultation responses and varied community opinions about residential traffic calming throughout East Lothian, it may be more appropriate, in the future, for the relevant area to consider the need and priority for this type of treatment.”