Speed-activated signs plan to protect children

MOBILE speed-activated signs will be placed on a Widnes road following an online petition highlighting safety concerns.

Halton Borough Council’s environment and urban renewal policy and performance board was due to be updated on speed control measures on Colvend Way in Upton Rocks after the Weekly News went to press on Wednesday, November 15.

A report published ahead of the meeting said an online petition ran on the council’s website until mid-October concerning the Colvend Way development by Morris Homes.

The petition – signed by 71 people – said the route was to be a through route connecting Lanark Gardens and Falkirk Avenue.

Despite speed bumps being installed on the road, the petition’s author expressed concerns that these were much smaller than the ones on nearby Falkirk Avenue.

The petition said: “When myself and other residents moved to the area we highlighted our concerns that there will be a lot of children who live on the street and wanted assurances that effective speed controls would be put in place on the street to protect our children.

“These speed bumps are much smaller than the speed bumps installed on Falkirk Avenue nearby and having driven over them cause no level of disruption to someone driving over the 20mph limit on the street.

“I am concerned that this will result in people using the road exceeding the 20mph limit as there is no deterrent such as damage to their vehicle.

“This will cause a danger to the many children who live on the street.”

The petition asked the council to install speed bumps to the legal maximum limit of 100mm, as well as request an electronic speed monitor and a speed gun.

In response the council report said that following a road safety audit, the speed hump heights were raised to 45mm which is the maximum allowed under current Department For Transport advice.

The site has also been added to a list of areas where the council’s mobile speed activated signs are located.

The report said: “It is intended to continue to monitor the effectiveness of the traffic calming features.

“Speed activated signs have also been requested in the petition.

“It would be possible to add the road to the list of sites at which the mobile speed activated signs are periodically located.

“A community speed watch scheme is also requested in the petition.

“Unfortunately, the council do not currently operate such a scheme, but this may be picked up again by the Road Safety Partnership in the future.

“The changes made should help reduce traffic speeds and have a positive impact on road safety.”