Emma Laurens handing me the petition, with Steve Boor looking on
On Monday 25th June I had a site meeting with a resident and Engineer Steve Boor about the possibility of calming measures at the bottom of the one-way section of Southgate Street. Ever since before my election I have been campaigning for speed restrictions there, without success, so it was good to be talking about measures that may now help. Mrs Laurens had collected a large number of signatures from those supporting her new campaign.
As ever, watch this space.
7 comments:
Until it closed, I used to collect CHB from Southgate Street PO so can appreciate the concerns of residents in the locality. Maynewater Lane is similarly blighted by speeding motorists.
I think volume of vehicles is also an issue but it isn't mentioned here so I will refrain from commenting.
Welcome to the speed track called southgate street, the down hill section.
Would you like to comment on the following.
The main objector to a 20mph limit in Southgate street is .... The local police.
A speed restrictor sign, ( flashing slow down or simlar speed indictor ) which could be a fixed to an existing one way sign post half way down southgate street... Is not possible because there is no money. despite the proven fact that traffic is carmed and does slow down.
Paul, as another Southgate Street resident you and I have discussed this problem already. I see from your blog that you have succeeded in simply getting a 'children crossing' sign attached to a post outside the Dog and Partidge. Could we not do something just as simple in our street please? I know you have said that its the 'not outside my house' syndrome, but something must be done. It is a narrow street, and if anything happens there is no room for manouvre. I have had my car smashed into as someone was spooked by a cat running out and just reacted. If she had been going slower things may have been different, as it was she did so much damage I couldn't even open the car door.
I personally think these flashing signs are very effective-why can't we trial one? Please?
I hope both commenters so far are aware that I have been trying to get this very real problem sorted since about 2002. The ONLY objectors to a 20 mph limit are the police, not because of their own route from the station, but because they say the limit has to be "self-enforcing."
We went through a whole series of speed tests after the engineering works to see what the average speed was, and it was not near enough to 20mph for the police to agree. I personally think this is a ridiculous argument and made my views know at the meeting with the police and council staff when this was discussed.
It is not money that is preventing a flashing sign (though that might be an issue) but the fact that it is a conservation area. I have tried to get one without success.
So this chicane of bollards is the only hope at present, and I feel that even that will not be so effective further up the road.
There is one other possibility. Richard Rout and I are trying to get the police to take part in an experimental scheme where local people use speed guns to deter offenders. This is at an early stage, and I will post more about it when I know more.
In the meantime I am, as always, very happy to hear any more ideas or suggestions as to what I personally can do to help.
You are both welcome at my next surgery at the library: Sat 7th July 10 - noon.
Paul, thank-you for your invitation to your next surgery, but as I work Saturday mornings I cannot make use of this.
I know you have been working on this for some time, but is it going to take a fatality, God forbid, before anything is done? Safety matters in a conservation area too-if they are that concerned about the appearance of our street then stop so many huge lorries coming down it and causing cracks in the old houses. I know this is a different topic but I am sure you get the point.
I will canvas Emma as to whether she will volunteer to stand on the street with a speed gun.
I had the pleasure of visiting Thetford this afternoon, and saw two if not three slow down 30mph signs, in what one could call a conservation area. ( ie the old town and nuns bridges area)
These signs are black,discrete lighting up only when a "speeding motorist" comes into range, and yes I was guilty on one occation, and yes I did slow down, and check my speed.
I notice in the bury conservation areas we have flashing traffic lights, person crossings, open signs at the turkish eatery on angel hill. flicking road signs.
coach park signs, etc etc. No speed limit signs of any discription.
I think 30mph would be a start then 20mph as an goal. after all if Portsmouth can do it why cany little ole BSE.
Maybe a tin of dulux paint might raise the problem...?
On this occation we are suggesting replacing an existing lit one way sign, with a dark speed activated sign, that flashes and then returns to off.
As the one way sign seems to serve no purpose in its current position a change of use might be appropiate.
Could you try again please.
I have just sent this email to the Borough Council's Engineer:
Dear Steve,
Thank you for meeting with Emma Laurens and me on Monday...I hope this scheme can go ahead.
Since placing the subject on my website I have had some comments from residents. I wonder if I can ask you to read today's (re Thetford) and comment yourself on it (either via the site or direct to me). I have copied in the conservation staff and hope they too might respond.
There is no doubt that the combination of some appropriate signage at the top of the road, together with the bollards at the bottom, would go some way to curbing dangerous speeding drivers.
Kind regards,
Paul
Councillor Paul Farmer - Abbeygate Ward Member
Portfolio Holder for Resources & Efficiency
St Edmundsbury Borough Council.
Direct tel/fax: 01284 768777
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