Bid to reduce speed limit is dealt a blow
Planners set to turn down extension of 30mph zone in West Ilsley
A CAMPAIGN by a West Ilsley villager to reduce the speed limit along the road adjoining his home was facing a blow from West Berkshire Council planners, who met to debate the proposal this week.
In recent times, a number of major traffic incidents have occurred along a stretch of road east of Main Street.
A 60mph speed limit is in force there, despite much of West Ilsley being covered by a 30mph order.
There are relatively few residences along the hill. However, one property, The Old Chapel, has been the site of a number of incidents.
The house was formerly a Baptist chapel, its construction commissioned by Henry Fuller, a 19thcentury minister known for his missions in surrounding villages.
It is now a dwelling, owned since 2019 by artist Simon Tarrant.
In February last year – shortly after Mr Tarrant moved in – a car collided with the house’s entrance.
Nobody was hurt, but the crash inflicted major structural damage on the historic property.
Mr Tarrant attempted to protect his home from speeding vehicles by setting planters around the perimeter.
But this move was rejected by West Berkshire Council and his subsequent efforts have focused
upon extending Main Street’s 30mph speed limit to cover the hill.
The problem is not reserved to The Old Chapel. Poor visibility is said to endanger walkers and horse riders on the hill and nearby Manor Cottage has also been hit by vehicles.
Despite all this, planners recommended against any extension of the 30mph speed limit.
The West Ilsley issue was due to go before West Berkshire Council’s Speed Limit Review Panel yesterday (Wednesday).
An official submission prepared for the panel outlined a case for rejecting villagers requests.
Planners said: “It is considered that the width and alignment of the road tends to control vehicle speeds, as evident by the recorded speed data.
“It is also considered that the majority of the traffic using this section of road are local users and will be familiar with the existing road layout and drive accordingly.
“Considering the nature of the road, current low speeds, lack of reported injury incidents and the predominantly rural setting, extending the current 30mph speed limit is not in accordance with current Department for Transport guidance
and is therefore not recommended.
In a response – written on behalf of himself and his husband Nick Ellis – Mr Tarrant expressed frustration with suggestions that no change is necessary.
In particular, he took issue with planners’ conclusion that the road is not an accident hotspot, stressing that the data used to draw this conclusion is obsolete.
In the last few months, the diversion of lorries and motorists up the hill has resulted in a number of hazardous situations.
Mr Tarrant’s statement said: “Our home, The Old Chapel, which faces the eastern approach to West Ilsley, has been subjected to successive direct hits by speeding vehicles.
“It is only a matter of time before another accident takes place at this known accident hotspot, with a high likelihood of a fatality.
“We appeal to the speed limit review panel to enforce proper management of safety by reducing the speed limit and introducing a 30mph buffer zone – in line with East Ilsley – along the notoriously dangerous stretch of road on the eastern approach to West Ilsley.”