Councils which attempt to slow traffic with speeds bumps have been branded “lazy” by the mayor of London.

And the capital’s top politician has sent a letter to Bromley Council encouraging them to steer clear of humps when cracking down on speeding drivers.

Mayor Boris Johnson said: “People often report that they don't want or like road humps, but that politicians refuse to listen.

“We are making a stand. Road humps are often simply a lazy way of delivering slower speeds, and also do little to encourage people to walk, cycle and spend time using their streets.”

Instead, the mayor’s office suggests using chicanes, removing street clutter and improving pedestrian and cycle facilities.

The Green Party’s London Assembly member Jenny Jones argued: “Speed bumps have been an extremely effective, and relatively cheap, way of reducing road deaths and casualties.

“It would be very rash for a local authority to decide never to use them again.”