The Co-op store and the Millside Close estate have both been welcome additions to the village scene. But the two together have caused increasing concern about the safety of people crossing the A54 road. The density of traffic along the road and the speed with which vehicles use the road is causing increasing concern to local residents who are finding it very difficult to cross the road on foot.
When the proposal for Millside Close was being considered at the planning application stage in 2012 the Parish Council urged CW&C to consider extending the 40 mph speed limit to Tarvin Sands. This would have given traffic, driving legally at 50mph from Kelsall, more time to adjust and reduce their speed before reaching the turnings for both the Co-op and Millfield Close. Unfortunately this was rejected.
Following a complaint by a local resident in September 2014 who was finding difficult to cross the A54 road the Parish Council asked Highways to again consider moving the speed limit.
The setting of speed limits is judged by a national standard that looks at things like traffic density, residential properties, junctions and accident records. Changing speed limits is quite a complex legal procedure. The speed limit assessment was completed by Highways and discussed with the Police. Their conclusion was that it did not meet the criteria for a reduction in limit from the existing 50mph so the Parish Councils request was again rejected.
With the volume of complaints increasing last week at the Parish Council meeting one of the editors of Tarvin Online announced that they were intending to launch a campaign to try and reverse the decision. The Parish Council agreed to support this campaign and decided to gather specific information about the population affected. They agreed to undertake a small survey to find out the numbers and ages of people affected by the road in order to present specific information to strengthen the case for change.
If residents affected by the issue have information that would help build a case for the reduction of the speed limit, can they please contact either the Parish Clerk, Mike Hassall (e-mail Miketarvinparish@aol.com or 01829 741075) or any Parish Councillor.
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