Strict 'lying police' on our roads

A new wave of traffic calming measures has emerged on Slovenian roads, with unusual “lying police” speed bumps being installed in several areas. These devices, which lie flat against the road surface under normal conditions but rise slightly when vehicles exceed the speed limit, have sparked both curiosity and concern among drivers and local authorities. The phenomenon was recently highlighted by a reader who pointed out the presence of these structures along the main road through Begunje, near the town of Žirovnica. The reader noted that the height of some of these speed bumps made it nearly impossible to drive at the posted speed limit of 30 km/h, forcing drivers to slow down significantly to avoid damaging their vehicle’s undercarriage. In addition, they were poorly marked, raising safety concerns. Local officials confirmed that the speed bumps on the state road near Begunje were installed by the State Road Infrastructure Directorate, following a proposal from the former chairperson of the Begunje Regional Community. However, the municipality of Radovljica stated that it had not been involved in the project, and no final response had been received by the time of publication. While such structures are typically placed on state roads, the majority of speed bumps in Slovenia are found on municipal roads, where they are often used to calm traffic in residential areas. According to regulations on traffic signaling and equipment, there are different types of speed control measures, including advisory signs and mandatory speed-reducing features like speed humps and raised crosswalks. These are designed to encourage safer driving habits while reducing the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, children, and other vulnerable road users. In Žirovnica, a more innovative approach has been taken. On the route from Vrba to Breznica, the local government has implemented rubber strips from air compressors. Unlike traditional speed bumps, these are intended to serve as both visual and auditory warnings rather than physical barriers. When a vehicle passes over them, the sound of its tires changes, alerting the driver to the need for caution. This method aims to reduce the disruption caused by conventional speed bumps while still promoting slower speeds. Žirovnica's mayor, Leopold Pogačar, explained that the goal of these rubber strips is to create a more harmonious interaction between drivers and the road environment. He emphasized that such measures can be more considerate of both drivers and vehicles, while effectively contributing to reduced traffic speeds and improved safety. Similar techniques have been adopted in countries like Spain and Sweden, where smart speed bumps, devices that remain flush with the road unless exceeded, are gaining popularity. In Žirovnica, the speed-reducing measures have been installed in the village of Vrba, near the railway station in Mostišče, and along the road passing by the TVD Partizan facility. The number of locations with such installations varies, and they are primarily placed in settlements where efforts to reduce traffic speed and enhance pedestrian safety are prioritized. Many of these proposals come from residents, local councils, or the Council for Prevention and Education in Road Traffic. Before making a decision, each location is assessed based on actual traffic conditions, average speeds, and potential risks to vulnerable road users. As the trend of using alternative methods to manage traffic continues, local governments and transportation authorities will likely face increasing pressure to balance public safety with the practicalities of daily commuting. Whether these innovations prove effective in the long term remains to be seen, but for now, they represent a step toward more thoughtful and inclusive approaches to urban mobility.