Traffic hazards on estate roads

COUNCILLORS at Warrington have held a road-side meeting with residents worried about traffic dangers on estate roads.
Borough councillors Geoff Settle and Graham Friend and parish councillor Diana Bennett met residents, police and Town Hall traffic chiefs to discuss traffic issues in the Blackbrook area.
The meeting took place at the junction of Viscount Road and Avery Close, where a car recently mounted the pavement and hit a road sign.
Cllr Friend said: “Residents from Blenheim, Avery and Viscount are very concerned about the speed and driving behaviour of vehicles travelling down their roads.
“They believe that drivers are travelling too fast and using their estate as a ‘rat run’ and driving without due care.”
He said the proposed 20mph speed limit on estate roads in Warrington was not planned for another two or three years.
Residents say cars are often seen cutting corners.
One resident said: “My young daughter crosses the road at this point to get to a play area.
“We all want something done before a serious accident happens. There are lots of youngsters here – it is a family orientated estate”.
During the meeting, residents identified other trouble spots and agreed on a site where traffic recording strips could be placed across the road.
Two types of traffic survey have been suggested – one to measure speed and volume and the other to monitor vehicles entering and leaving the estate.
Immediately after the meeting the councillors witnessed two electric mini bikes being ridden by youngsters showing little road sense.
Cllr Settle – a marshal at the TT Races on the Isle of Man – said: “These bikes look just like the ones I see at the TT. But they are so much smaller and vulnerable.
“They can travel at speeds of up to 15mph but must not be ridden on the road or pavements. Parents should find their children safe off-road places to ride these bikes.”
Cllr Bennett said; “I live on the estate and welcome the traffic surveys which are scheduled to take place in September. The data and recommendations will be presented to residents at a meeting in the local community centre”.
Anyone who would like to add their views and opinions should contact Cllr Settle via email: [email protected] or telephone 07768 542 635.
Pictured, right: Cllr Friend (top) and Cllr Settle.