Speeding hotspot is set to have limit reduced
A MAIN road plagued by speeding is to have its speed limit reduced.
The A47 Normandy Way between Roston Drive and Stoke Road, in Hinckley, is to have its speed limit reduced from 50mph to 40mph.
The change comes after a roundabout was added to the A47 to provide an entrance to an 850-home estate being built to the west of the road.
There have been countless complaints over the years from residents about speeding on that stretch of the A47, as well as nearby Roston Drive and Outlands Drive.
County councillor Michael Mullaney said news that the limit is to be cut will be welcome to people who live in the area.
He said: “I hope that reducing the speed limit here will have an effect on reducing overall speeds along the stretch of the road, reducing the negative effects of speeding vehicles that many people have had to put up with.”
A consultation on the change attracted 10 objections, including one resident who was concerned that the lower speed limit would lead to more traffic going through the town, while another said that more enforcement was needed rather than changing the limit.
However, officers at Leicestershire County Council said the change would have “minimal impact” on journey times.
Councillor David Bill said: “When planning permission was granted for the 850-home development off the northern perimeter road we fought long and hard for as many mitigating measures as we could. Making the road safer for all users and quieter for the people living alongside was a priority and we eventually achieved an agreement that the speed limit would be reduced to 40mph all the way from Roston Drive to Stoke Road.
“It has taken far too long to implement but at last it is now in sight.
“This needs to be followed up by effective compliance and enforcement.
“We hope that this is seen as a positive step towards making all our roads safer and we look forward to the introduction of further measures.
“The real problem is of course the minority of people who have no regard for their own or other’s safety. These are the drivers who should be taken off the road.”
The estate is being built by Bloor Homes, with several of the houses near the A47 already taking shape. The new speed limit will come into force on October 14.