Q1. Doesn’t the ramp just steal pennies from our petrol tanks?

A1. The ramp is designed to be situated in parts of the roadway where vehicles are having to slow down, for example on downhill gradients, when approaching traffic lights or roundabouts as well as replacing sleeping policemen and traditional traffic calming measures.
In the these situations, the kinetic energy of the car is being dissipated into heat (i.e. through the braking system) anyway; the ramp at this point scavenges a degree of kinetic energy as the car passes over it, but this is far less than is lost through other mechanisms.

Q2. Is the ramp safe for motorbikes and cyclists?

A2. Safety must be a prime concern for any piece of apparatus designed for use in or with roadways, and such concerns have been taken into account with the design of the ramp. Whilst not illustrated for press purposes, each production ramp will come covered with a hardwearing elastromeric membrane, for the dual purpose of avoiding any problems with vehicles gripping or skidding when crossing the ramp, and to seal the mechanism from the ingress of dirt, water and anything else, which may harm the mechanism.
It should also be noted that the ramp mechanism has a damping effect and is not hard like a speed bump. The ramp is also designed to be used in low speed environments, and the membrane will incorporate markings to alert drivers and riders to its presence.
It has been tested with bikers and cyclists, and further exhaustive tests will take place before the first public installation.
In any event it is also subject to passing stringent safety tests laid down by the appropriate regulatory authorities.