Freehold and Ridge Hill Traffic Concerns
At a Public ‘Traffic’ Meeting, held on Nov 14th at the Gregson Community Centre, residents from freehold and ridge hill expressed widespread concerns about traffic and pedestrian safety issues in the area. Bulk Ward Cllr Maia Whitelegg said “There were three significant areas of concern raised by residients: the sheer volume of traffic coming through the residential streets, unsuitable vehicles using the roads and the speed of traffic.”
The meeting looked at each area, identifying problems and looking at possible solutions.
1.Speeding traffic
Cars speeding up between chicanes on Derwent Rd and Ullswater Rd especially when traffic is light. Risk to pedestrians and cyclists, particularly school children on Derwent Rd.
2.Volume of traffic
Increasing levels of traffic particularly on Derwent Rd, Ullswater Rd and Ridge Lane caused by vehicles rat-running through Bulk Ward to avoid the one-way system. Associated risks and problems due by congestion: air quality, noise, pedestrian & cyclist safety.
3.Unsuitable traffic on residential streets
Unsuitable vehicles using residential streets such as prison vehicles, agricultural vehicles, vans etc. Incidences of school coaches mounting pavements when going round chicanes and at junctions. Associated risks to pedestrians, mainly schoolchildren, and cyclists.
A local traffic action group was formed.The suggested time for the first action group committee meeting is December 10th (tbc).