We are disappointed by the effects of the new traffic scheme in Collingwood Road.  The new road layout is the Council’s response to complaints from residents for some years about speeding traffic in the road.  There were two main concerns:  the safety of children and parents walking to Westbourne School; and the impact of speeding traffic on the road humps which was causing vibrations and possibly damage to residents’ properties.

We conducted two consultations with residents on the proposals which received broad support.  After implementation it is clear that there are still some problems.  Soon after the works were completed we raised a number of issues with the Highways engineers.  These included:

• some of the give way signs are too far from the width restrictions.  Traffic approaching is tentative and some drives straight through, possibly because they can’t see why the give way is there.  This leads to friction between drivers.
• the width restrictions are not sufficiently visible, especially in the dark.  Some are just pencil bollards with reflectors, rather than fully illuminated ‘arrow’ bollards.
• parked vans block the view of some of the priority signs.  The parking restrictions may need to be extended.
• the give way signs need to be illuminated.  They are not visible in the dark. 
• cars are turning into Anton Crescent the wrong way, even though they are aware of the No entry.  There is a need for camera enforcement.
• we need to consider an air pollution monitor at Westbourne School.
• there are cars parking further along Anton Crescent on double yellow lines outside Nos 1 to 4.  This leads to a lot of congestion in this stretch of the road.

As a result Council officers have agreed to move one of the give-way lines closer to the width restriction and also provide additional markings around the width restrictions to make them stand out more.   These changes will be made as soon as possible.  In addition, an independent road safety audit is to be carried out next week.  This will look at the whole scheme and we will get the report in early January.  That will advise on any further changes that need to be made.

We are also pressing for the installation of a digital speed monitor. 

We continue to hold regular Speedwatch events.  This involves the use of hand-held speed cameras, and is supported by the Police.

We will continue to report back on road safety improvements in the road.

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