Could new, heavier buses going over speed bumps be damaging subterranean infrastructure?

I agree with your encouraging reply about speed humps to MJ of Burton upon Trent. Our locality is full of these wretched objects, with all the usual dangers. However, I am curious to know about another problem they might be causing. Burst water mains, gas mains and damaged sewers seem to be on the increase everywhere. I have thought for a while that heavy vehicles bouncing off humps and cushions may have something to do with that, but I was shown a recent item in a motoring magazine, which convinced me even more. It was a road test of the New Bus for London - quite complimentary - and the weight of it was quoted as 17,900kg. Other types weigh 12,207kg, and the ‘bendy buses’ 22,822kg. Also quoted was the weight of the good old Routemaster - 7900kg - a design of nearly 60 years ago, which carries almost as many passengers. Just a thought.

Asked on 5 December 2012 by AH, Bexley, Kent

Answered by Honest John

Many thanks. Yes, an ancient underground passageway near where I live that was directly under a ‘speed table’ recently collapsed. Works to repair it took weeks. I was not aware that the new 'Routemaster' weighs more than twice as much as the original.

Tags: damage speed humps

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