Kentish Express Ashford & District
Shoppers shaken up by ‘brutal’ supermarket speed deterrent
A new speed bump designed to slow down supermarket shoppers has been described as ‘brutal’ on social media.
The concrete ramp has been installed on the bend into the main car park of Tesco Extra in Park Farm, behind the petrol station.
A pedestrian crossing has been in place there for some time, but the new hump with road markings has attracted a wave of criticism, with some saying there is not enough warning of the high bump.
One shopper said on Facebook: “Tesco Park Farm have installed a new ramp on the bend at the entrance to the main car park … it is brutal!
“There are currently no warning signs as it has just been completed. I went over it at 10mph … Really shook me up!
“Not sure how a car loaded down with shopping will get over it!”
Scores of people also commented, with another saying: “I went over it this morning in my Range Rover and it shook my car up!
“Quite surprised it hasn’t ripped someone’s bumper off or underneath of the car, especially a little one.”
One said: “It is very high. I’m sure Tesco will be receiving many complaints.”
Another agreed saying: “It seems higher than other ramps.”
Some viewed the speed deterrent differently, saying: “Don’t forget when and if Domino’s opens till 2am it will attract boy racers and drifters. This could be to stop them entering the main car park as their cars are very low to the ground.”
Another said: “No objection to speed humps if well marked, but they can be dangerous for motorcyclist if they are not, especially if wet.”
One driver said: “It’s no different to Park Farm estate ones. At least everyone knows about it now though.”
After visiting the site, Kentish Express reporter Molly Mileham-Chappell said: “The ramp appears to have been built up quite high, and you can see and hear cars scraping their bumpers, even when driving at what appears to be a slow speed.
“As of yet, there appears to be no signs indicating the ramp itself, only a pedestrian crossing sign tucked around the corner out of view of the speed bump.”
Tesco said: “We are always working to ensure our car parks are as safe as possible.
“This week, work is taking place to install a speed bump on a pedestrian crossing at our Park Farm Extra store.
“In addition to the existing 5mph speed limit signage, we are fitting signs to alert drivers to the crossing.”
‘I’m quite surprised it hasn’t ripped someone’s bumper off or the underneath of their car’
What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk