Traffic-calming measures needed (From Gazette & Herald)

Traffic-calming measures needed

FOLLOWING the tragic death of Joanna Rookes, killed by a car in Newbiggin, a number of questions must be asked.

Firstly, why is there no 40mph buffer zone for traffic before Broughton Rise? There is a 40-zone on York Road, so if it's good enough for the B1248, why isn't it good enough for the B1257?

Secondly, why is there no electronic 30-limit warning sign on entry to the Broughton Rise 30-limit? It's good enough for the small settlement of Barton-le-Street, just up the road, so why is one not provided for a town 50 times the size?

Thirdly, what is the thinking behind installing road humps on the adjacent Pasture Lane and The Mount, but failing to install them on Newbiggin/Broughton Rise, which takes ten times the traffic?

I live on Newbiggin, and every day see traffic entering the town - well in excess of the speed limit - to the dangerous crossroads with Mount Crescent and Pasture Lane. Traffic then accelerates down Newbiggin to the also-dangerous crossroads with Spital Street and Princess Road. Frequently, cars, vans and lorries accelerate in the opposite direction up Newbiggin. Add to this the fact that, at certain times, vehicles are allowed to park on a street so narrow that it can't take three cars abreast and you have a recipe for tragedy.

How many more deaths are the authorities prepared to sanction before traffic-calming measures are taken?

PETER WILLIAMS

Newbiggin

Updated: 11:47 Wednesday, January 28, 2004