A RISE in traffic along a narrow lane in Thornbury has prompted calls for an assessment on road safety.

Crossways Lane, which runs from Gloucester Road to Morton Way, is a popular shortcut for many entering and leaving the town towards the A38 and the M5 and has seen a rapid rise of vehicles passing through in recent years.

The road could potentially become even busier in the near future, with the continuing expansion of the Thornbury Fields development on Morton Way and a proposed 370-home development from Bovis Homes along Gloucester Road.

This change has led to the launch of a community campaign which has continued to gather pace, as residents call for a “quiet lane scheme” to be introduced.

According to South Gloucestershire Council, “quiet lanes” are a network of rural roads where minimal traffic calming measures are used to enable all road users to “share with care”.​

Thornbury and Yate MP Luke Hall met with SGC leader Cllr Matthew Riddle and Cllr David Chubb, who represents Thornbury, after concerns were raised by resident Mavis Richings.

She said: “We have lived on Crossways Lane for 50 years now and are very aware of the huge increase and speed of traffic using the lane as a rat run to access routes north of Thornbury.

“The lane is a real amenity for the people of Thornbury for walking, running, cycling, and horse riding. We feel that the time has come for something to be done, for everyone's safety.”

Having spoken with residents of the lane, the MP has called on South Gloucestershire Council to assess the need for traffic calming measures, raising the concerns of the community about speeding along the increasingly busy road.

Mr Hall said, “There was growing concern about the safety on Crossways Lane and I am grateful for the help and support I have received from the Thornbury community in raising this matter with the local authority.

“This is a road frequently used by horse riders and cyclists, not to mention local children on their way to Crossways Junior and Infant Schools. I am pleased that this matter is receiving the council’s full attention.”

Cllr David Chubb said: “Thanks to Luke and the residents, the council is well aware of concerns, and I will be supporting any action which could be taken to make this road that little bit safer.”

A South Gloucestershire Council spokeswoman confirmed that funding of £21,700 has already been received from developers for a quiet lane scheme on Crossways Lane, adding that a further £8,300 has been agreed with the developer and outline designs have been started to help progress this project to the next stage of full consultation with residents.

To find out more about quiet lanes schemes, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/streets/road-safety-traffic-schemes/quiet-lanes.