Summary
Our thanks to all those who took time to complete our recent survey as to whether or not we should seek to introduce a 20mph scheme covering a number of roads in Colehill.
We had a huge response, with 647 questionnaires completed, 517 online and 130 paper. No one took up our offer of a phone survey.
There were some strong views expressed both ways but overall, a very clear majority vote in favour of seeking 20mph limits on the roads in all four areas:
A – Cutlers Place area
B – Olivers Road area
C – Hayes Lane area
D – Bridle Way area
Results for Area A – Cutlers Place
(Area A covers: Cutlers’ Place, Jessopp Road, Sunnybank Road, Sunnybank Drive, Sunnybank Way, Churchmoor Road, Hayeswood Road & Ashmeads Close.)
- 68% in favour of 20mph
- 27% against
- 5% not sure or don’t care
- A very strong 41% overall majority
- Reasons given for support include: the two schools in the area, Olivers Park playground, the volume of pedestrians, and cars being parked near junctions.
Results for Area B – Olivers Road
(Area B covers: Olivers Road, Olivers Way, Ashmeads Way & Stroud Close.)
- 56% in favour of 20mph
- 34% against
- 9% not sure or don’t care
- A strong 22% overall majority
- Reasons given for support include: the proximity to schools, children walking to school, and a steep hill with a sharp bend.
Results for Area C – Hayes Lane
(Area C covers: Hayes Lane, Lawns Road, Lawns Close, Freemans Lane, Freemans Close, Dales Drive, Dales Close, Foxcroft Drive, Briar Way, Hounds Way, Martindale Avenue, Cedar Drive & Hayes Close.)
- 54% in favour of 20mph
- 40% against
- 5% not sure or don’t care
- A 14% majority
- Reasons given for support include: the blind summit on Hayes Lane, numbers of children in the area, and cars parked near junctions.
Note the average speed in Hays Lane is currently 26.8mph. This means additional traffic calming measures, such as a Speed Indicator Device, will need to be deployed if a 20mph scheme is introduced.
Results for Area D – Bridle Way
(Area D covers: Bridle Way, Canford View Drive, Farriers Close, Harness Close, Horseshoe Close, Colt Close, Hunter Close, Suffolk Close, Saddle Close, Halter Rise, Stirrup Close & Spur Close.)
- 56% in favour of 20mph
- 34% against
- 10% not sure or don’t care
- A strong 21% overall majority
- Reasons given for support include: cars parked near junctions and on pavements, busy residential area, and children walking to school.
Other Road Safety Ideas Raised
We also received many other road safety ideas.
These are the most common topics raised, together with our responses and actions in italics…
- Asking if Middlehill Road and Canford Bottom can be made 20mph.
These roads wouldn’t qualify. 20mph schemes are only considered on roads where movement of cars is not the primary function, and then only if the average speed is less than 25mph. - Asking for the chicanes on Middlehill Road to be removed or improved.
Dorset Council have informed us that they were intentionally designed as they are to accommodate the Olivers Road junction and to slow traffic down. There has only been one minor injury recorded in the last 5 years. - Asking who will enforce new 20mph limits.
20mph schemes are intended to be self-enforcing, which is why the average speed must be less than 25mph. - Asking for yellow lines to be painted at road junctions.
ACTION – we will seek agreement for yellow lines to be painted at three junctions: Hayes Lane & Middlehill, Bridle Way (top end) & Middlehill, and Cutlers Place & Middlehill. - Supporting the initiative already underway to establish pedestrian crossings on Middlehill Road.
ACTION UNDERWAY – to seek two crossings on Middlehill near the junctions with Cutlers Place & Lonnen Road. - Asking for speed humps to be introduced on Middlehill Road.
Humps are not normally used on steep hills, as they cause grounding for buses and other larger vehicles. - Asking that parking be prevented at bus stops.
ACTION – we will seek agreement for bus cages to be marked at the bus stop at the top of Hayes Lane, and the nearby one on Middlehill Road.
Next Steps
Dorset Council will now need to assess and prioritise this request against other similar requests they receive, using the criteria specified in their process, which includes consideration of the injury collision history, proximity to schools, school travel usage, and potential for walking and cycling.
We will seek regular updates from Dorset Council and keep residents informed via our website and Facebook page.