COUNCILS in the region are being asked to consider flattening speed humps after it was claimed they cost lives by delaying emergency vehicles.

The Government has written to local authorities telling them to consult ambulance, fire and police services before installing any more of the road safety measures.

The letter from the Department for Transport (DfT) also orders councils to examine existing humps if they cause problems.

Just two months ago, a £4m fleet of vehicles bought by the Tees, East and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service was forced off the road because they could not clear the bumps.

Now, the London Ambulance Service has suggested delays caused by the capital's estimated 20,000 humps are to blame for up to 500 deaths a year from cardiac arrest.

Ray McDermott, Unison steward with the North-East Ambulance Service, backed the claims and said: "It costs us seconds and seconds can save lives. They reduce response times and makes it extremely uncomfortable for the patient in the back."

A DfT spokesman said local authorities would be expected to "take on board" any fears raised by emergency services.

Mark Whelan, spokesman for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said councils already consult the service, adding: "We do point out the risks, but recognise that risk has to be balanced against the dangers of joyriders or whatever other reason there is for putting in the restrictions in the first place."

A spokesman for Durham County Council said: "We consult the emergency services and, if they have any objections, we do not go ahead, which is what has just happened in Barnard Castle."

Simon Featherstone, chief executive of the North-East Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said he would welcome research to clarify whether the disadvantages of speed humps out-weighed advantages.