Council highway chiefs have defended a decision to introduce speed humps along a quarter-mile stretch of the main road through Harden after the scheme came in for criticism.

One motorist, from Cullingworth, said he could understand why such traffic calming devices might be used in side streets where children play outside, but not on a main road.

Parkside Terrace resident David Hollingsworth said the humps in Long Lane were laid down about six weeks ago, adding that his Ford Puma sustained damage after he drove over them for the first time.

Mr Hollingsworth, who is a retired groundsman, said: “As a frequent visitor to Bingley, I now go via Wilsden, as I’ve already suffered a broken ABS sensor.

“It is hard enough finding the money for fuel without being shaken to pieces as well.

“I’m very annoyed. I don’t drive at excessive speeds, but I don’t think those humps should be there – not on a main road.”

But Simon D’Vali, Bradford Council principal engineer, said: “There are seven speed tables and cushions along this stretch as part of a traffic calming scheme that had the approval of the majority of residents living in the vicinity.

“The measures have been built in accordance with national standards and are designed to reduce vehicle speeds and thereby make life safer for pedestrians and parents walking their children to school.

“We will be carrying out a study shortly to determine if vehicle speeds have been lowered as a result of these measures.”

Meanwhile, a ward councillor who supported the latest traffic-calming measures, said they were implemented following many complaints about speeding along this stretch of the road.

Bingley Rural councillor Mike Ellis argued: “If the measures put in place prevent the death or serious injury of one child, then they’ve been a good investment.

“I drive down this road three or four times a week, and I haven’t had my car damaged.”

He pointed to a traffic survey carried out earlier this year – before the speed humps were installed – showing that some motorists were driving along Long Lane at almost 50mph.