1:49pm Thursday 4th February 2010
By Alexandra Womack
THE public is being asked their thoughts on plans to reduce the speed limit in a part of Winterbourne which has a long history of traffic woes.
Quiet lanes schemes for Moorend were thrown out in 2001 and 2002 after residents overwhelmingly objected to proposals to close roads in the area or make them one-way.
As a result of the public opposition, South Gloucestershire Council went back to the drawing board and is now suggesting lowering the speed limit.
Mark Shearman, from the council’s transportation services department, said: "The proposed speed limit changes are designed to influence driver behaviour rather than having a direct affect on traffic volumes. "The proposed changes promote road safety, help protect vulnerable road users and minimise the inconvenience to local residents whilst maintaining the rural environment."
Many motorists use Moorend as a rat run to avoid congestion at the Hambrook traffic lights junction with the Avon Ring Road.
The council is proposing to cut the speed limit on Church Lane, Bury Hill, Moorend Road, part of Cuckoo Lane and part of Bromley Heath Road to 30mph and impose a new speed limit of 40mph on part of Bromley Heath Road and part of Cuckoo Lane, where it is currently 60mph.
Added Mr Shearman: "This scheme is designed to encourage more careful driving, whilst improving the environment for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders."
A public consultation on the plans is open until February 25 and if there are no significant objections the scheme will be implemented in the 2010/11 financial year.
Comments should be sent to Transportation Services, South Gloucestershire Council, Broad Lane, Yate, BS37 7PN or email highways@southglos.gov.uk
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