WESTBURY Town Council says that although there are no current plans to change or improve the current traffic calming measures on Oldfield Road, residents who have concerns about the road layout should make their views known.
Residents have said that following an increase in traffic in the area over the years, the road often sees a lot of traffic congestion as the traffic islands and speed bumps, which are designed to slow cars down and make the area safer for pedestrians, create more traffic congestion at peak times. Residents have also said that many cars simply drive through the gaps in the middle of the road, to avoid going over speed bumps so they don’t have to slow down.
Westbury Mayor, cllr Mike Sutton, is encouraging anyone who has issues with the traffic calming measures to contact the town council so councillors can discuss the issue and bring it to the attention of Wiltshire Council. But he says that a majority of residents would need to support any plans before they can take them to Wiltshire Council.
He said, “The traffic calming measures in Oldfield Park were put in place by Wiltshire Council some years ago in response to concerns from residents about the speed and volume of traffic in the area, particularly through traffic.
“It is recognised that due to constant wear and tear they may no longer be such a deterrent and whether they need to be repaired, removed or other measures put in place, that would be a decision made by Wiltshire Council.
“The town council will respond to views or suggestions put forward by residents and through the highways, planning and development committee to make a case for new measures or even removal and ask Wiltshire Council to consider the request.
“In the past, there has not been unanimity amongst residents as to suggested measures and for the town council to take this forward, there would need to be a majority for whatever is proposed. At present, there has not been any approach from interested parties to consider any changes or renewal.
“It would be difficult for the town council to request Wiltshire Council to replace or renew without strong evidence it had favour amongst the majority.”
Debbie Ashford, who lives on Oldfield Road, said, “I imagine that when the traffic calming measures were first introduced, it may have seen some success. But that whole area has changed in the 20 years since then and there is now so much traffic.
“The situation for many years has been that cars simply ignore the speed bumps and drive directly through the gaps, completely negating the traffic calming measures. I think this whole stretch of road needs redesigning, as at peak times, it can be a complete nightmare.”
Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, added, “There are no plans to change the current layout of traffic calming measures at Oldfield Park, Westbury. However, if residents have any concerns about roads or footpaths these should be raised with the town council in the first instance, who can then raise the issue at the Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group, which considers improvements to local roads and footpaths.”
