Yahoo News New speed bumps approved for road near Nuneaton- but some locals aren't happy
Plans to install a raised table and speed cushions on a busy route near Nuneaton have been given the green light. The additions on Church Road, Castle Road and Atherstone Road in Hartshill were raised following concerns raised by some residents about speeding traffic along the route.
Local councillor Margaret Bell proposed, on their behalf, that the measures be introduced and said it could be paid out of the delegated councillor funds. Speed data revealed that 85 per cent of speeds of vehicles between Atherstone Road and Church Road averaged 37.3 mph in what is a 30mph speed limit zone.
But before the final decision was made, on the proposals for one speed cushion and eleven pairs of speed bumps along the route, public consultation was held. This led to several objections to the plans
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One was concerned about the environmental impact of vehicles slowing down, the noise caused for local residents and adding to the existing congestion in the area.
Another raised environmental concerns as well as fears about more delays to the busy road. It concluded: "Adding further inconvenience to the many law-abiding motorists will not reduce the speed of the few who intentionally speed. It will only serve to cost the ordinary motorist more money and as such, the focus of the council should be on maintaining roads to a higher quality before adding yet more unwanted speed humps."
But there were letters submitted in favour of the plan. One said: "The proposed speed cushion humps through Hartshill are a great idea, my only concern is that the height of the speed cushions are only three inches high, and not go across the road. People just drive around the present ones already in place."
Another added that the measures are needed to deal with the increased in volume of traffic and increased speeds in the area. In a council report, officers explained: "The scheme put forward for Church Road and Atherstone Road is part of a delegated budget scheme put forward by the local County Councillor Cllr Bell.
"She has a limited budget each year so that she can make improvements in her area. Councillor Bell has, following feedback from residents in Hartshill proposed a scheme that will have a general benefit to all road users by having a consistent speed by motorists and improved safety for all road users using this route."
Mark Dash, owner of DashTickets, added: "Speed bumps are hated by motorists. If the sign says, 'Go slow', then you must go slow. However, I personally don’t think 37 mph at a 30 mph speed limit really constitutes speeding, at least in New Zealand where I’m from it does not. I understand that the locals really mean it when they say they want the cars to go 30."
The plans were approved on October 31 and now the works are set to be included in the 2024/2025 programme.
