Trees in the road are latest obstacle to stop speeding motorists

TREES could become the latest weapon against speeding drivers if an idea for north London is given the go-ahead.

The scheme, planned for Muswell Hill, would see speed humps replaced by "treegates". Trees would be planted at intervals along residential streets, jutting out into the road to create a "chicane" to slow down motorists. The scheme is modelled on ideas used in Scandinavian countries.

The plans were put forward by David Rennie, of Palace Gates Residents' Association, a retired Department of Transport employee. He said: "When they drive up to these tree gates, motorists feel they are going through a narrowing and subconsciously slow down. Even a few trees can create an atmosphere that encourages better driver behaviour."

Studies have shown treegates can be more effective than "Slow" signs in lowering the speed of motorists and Haringey council has shown some interest in testing the proposal.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are interested in innovative ideas to help with traffic calming and are keen to incorporate best practice measures into future plans."

But Nigel Humphries, of the Association of British Drivers, said: "It is utter madness. Putting more things in the road is not the way to reduce accidents." He claimed the chicanes, named after features in Formula 1, could encourage some "boy racers" to speed up.

The London Ambulance Service believes up to 500 lives are lost each year when ambulances are slowed down by humps or the road is too bumpy for staff to give emergency treatment during a journey to hospital.In November, Boris Johnson pledged to get rid of speed bumps. "Road humps are often a lazy way of delivering slower speeds," the Mayor said.