WESTBURY town councillors have suggested extending the 20mph limit on Oldfield Road up to the level crossing, in a bid to make the area safer for pedestrians.
The crossing is often used by children travelling from the Spinnaker estate to local schools and Oldfield Park. Councillors also suggested adding appropriate signage to let motorists know that the level crossing is there.
The safety of the level crossing was discussed at last week’s meeting of the town council’s highways, planning and development committee, following a request from a resident to make the area safer for pedestrians.
Speaking about this at the meeting, cllr Sheila Kimmins said, “We’ve seen from the car movement statistics from that area that the traffic comes up and down Mane Way at a high speed, with cars often coming round the bend at too high a speed when they encounter the level crossing and Phoenix Rise. This is an area that sees a fairly high level of pedestrian activity, not just from schoolchildren, but from others in the estate trying to access the White Horse Health Centre.
“The problem is I don’t know how you can enforce the slowing down of traffic to 20mph because cars will have to slow down anyway due to the chicane which pushes you on the other side of the road.”
Cllr Pauline Stallard added, “There are no signs saying, ‘rail/level crossing’ or anything like that in that area, so that may be something to consider as well, to give greater awareness for drivers.”
Councillors proposed to move the 20mph limit further up the road towards Mane Way, as well as asking for the introduction of signs saying ‘level crossing ahead’.
These proposals will be discussed by the local highway and footway improvement group of Wiltshire Council soon, before going to the area board for approval.
Pictured: Traffic built up at the level crossing at Oldfield Road.
