SPEED LIMIT IS CUT TO 30MPH ON PART OF A34
Neighbours ‘had issues reversing from drive’
FAMILIES living on one of Stoke-ontrent’s busiest roads have welcomed a reduction in the speed limit.
Stoke-on-trent City Council has agreed to reduce the limit from 40mph to 30mph on the northbound carriageway of the A34 Stone Road, near Hanford roundabout.
It comes as neighbours have complained they cannot get in and out of their drives safely when motorists drive at 40mph.
The new limit comes into effect today.
Families who live in Stone Road said the speed reduction should make a big difference.
Peter Johnson, aged 70, said: “I have lived here for 20 years and the traffic is ridiculous. We get vibrations from the wagons.
“We suffered with the speed of the traffic at night while they were doing the motorway.
“A speed cameraman has clocked a couple of motorbikes coming down here at 90mph. He can catch 15 to 20 motorists speeding here in an hour.
“It is a problem reversing in the drive. You have to reverse in to drive out. Motorists still pap their horns.
“I can’t praise Councillor Dan Jellyman enough. He is the man who got it sorted again.”
Graham Tavernor, aged 76, said: “We get a lot of young drivers racing up and down at about 60mph. It is mostly young drivers and motorcyclists.
“On this carriageway the traffic lights (at the roundabout) let three or four cars through at once and that is it. Years ago, when there was just a roundabout, there were no problems.
“The queue can go right down to Trentham Gardens. If the lights were a little bit better at letting traffic through the problems would not be as bad.”
Fleur Mccready, aged 41, said: “It is a good idea. The noise does not affect us but crossing the road is a nightmare. I would not let my 13-yearold son cross the road because of the speed they come down. People are not just doing 40mph.”
Debbie Shaw, aged 59, said: “They do come flying. I welcome the reduction if it slows the traffic.
“It is the noise, when you sleep at the front. They come racing up and down here. I welcome it being slowed down so it is safer.”
Roger Ormrod, aged 74, said: “It is a good idea. They come down too fast. 40mph is fast, 30mph is a lot better.”
Rob Stubbs, aged 32, added: “I welcome anything that makes the road safer.”
Councillor James Smith, Stoke-ontrent City Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure, said: “We have carried out an assessment following this request and the outcome is that there is considered to be sufficient justification to reduce the speed limit.
“No objections were received and, as such, it is proposed to make this traffic regulation order in the interests of road safety and avoiding danger to persons or other traffic.”