A PENSIONER who suffers from chronic bone disorders in her spine has spoken of the nightmare she endures when she travels in a vehicle over road humps.

Maureen McMullen (68) suffers from both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, conditions believed to be a legacy of a road accident in which she was knocked down by a coal wagon when aged four.

She regularly takes painkillers to dull the pain but is often brought to tears when travelling over the traffic calming measures.

Mrs McMullen, of Newton-le-Willows, said: "I just dread if I have to go to the hospital and go over road bumps whether it be in taxi, bus, or car. It is a nightmare and I can be brought to tears by the pain. I have to hold myself like a ramrod to ensure my spine doesn't jar."

She revealed her agony after reading in the Star how St Helens Council is canvassing townsfolk's views on measures like road humps, speed cushions, and chicanes.

Supporters of the devices claim they cut speed and reduce the risk of life-threatening accidents, but opponents reckon they damage cars and only contribute to poor driving.

Mrs McMullen, though, says the pain she experiences is overlooked when the topic is discussed, and is keen to know of other people enduring similar agony.

She said: "If someone is in a serious accident or has an injury and is being taken to hospital surely they must feel pain. I pray the council gets rid of the road humps."

St Helens Council says evidence so far suggests traffic calming measures are helping to reduce the numbers of people killed or seriously injured on St Helens roads.

The local authority is keen to hear the public's views on traffic calming as part of report it is compiling. Send your views to Catherine Fletcher at the Policy Unit, St Helens Town Hall, Victoria Square, St Helens, WA10 1HP by October 15.