Councillors get the hump over humps!
Published 2 Mar 2012 08:30
4 Comments
COUNCILLORS have voted against installing speed humps and cushions in Saline - despite a survey showing more than 1000 vehicles exceeding the 30mph limit over two days.
The South West Fife area committee voted five to three to uphold public objections against speed reduction measures for North Road and Oakley Road in the village, tasking officers instead to look at "alternative measures" for the area, potentially as a "pilot project".
Transportation services had recommended setting aside the four objections to allow the measures to be constructed "in the interest of road safety" and
budgeted £20,000 for the project.
Objectors said speeding was "not an issue in Oakley Road", although a report to committee stated that a survey carried out over two days in February 2011 showed 1303 vehicles, or 52 per cent, travelling at or over 31mph.
The maximum speeds recorded were 54mph southbound and 45mph northbound.
The report added, "Both of these instances could conceivably have been when there were vulnerable pedestrians/children trying to cross the road."
Other objections argued that "congestion/parked cars slows through traffic"; "no accidents have occurred to their knowledge"; "speed humps hinder snow-clearing operations"; "don't want any measures installed"; noise and vibration.
However, officers said parked cars were not there permanently; snow plough blades 'floated' above the road surface guided by jockey wheels; and vehicles going over humps and cushions were unlikely to cause structural damage to adjacent properties.
They explained the measures were introduced proactively to prevent and reduce accidents and were the most effective traffic-calming measures available.
West Fife Villages councillor Gerry McMullan said the humps and cushions were "not suitable".
He added, "There are serious implications by having speed bumps. It's about getting the message out and awareness rather than imposing these blocks."
Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor Dave Dempsey added, "What you have here is penalising people who do the right thing.
"We keep being told they're a necessary evil but they are very often placed where there is no accident history - I'd have thought you'd put them in a place that has an accident history."
But Rosyth councillor Douglas Chapman said it was about "changing driver behaviour".
He continued, "If it's saving children's lives and does the job, you have to keep pursuing it."
Saline and Steelend Community Council vice chair John Crane said the implications of the decision would be discussed at their next meeting.
Iain Henderson, lead officer for traffic management, said officers would now carry out an evaluation of alternative traffic calming measures.
He explained, "It's basically an evaluation of alternative traffic-calming measures, such as chicanes, build-outs and flashing signs, and whether they are appropriate.
"We will be appraising the recommendations and will have to demonstrate why the proposed measures are the preferred option."
Have your say. Post a comment on this article.
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jaycee1502
11 posts
Mar 2, 10:45
Report commentI have often wondered if the raised strips across the road (Rumble Strips?) would serve the purpose. They do make you automatically check your speed.
Recommend?
Yes 6
No 2
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parhob
2 posts
Mar 2, 21:42
Report commentI stay in Hill of Beath, where there are both speed cushions and islands installed. The speed limit was reduced to 20mph a couple of years ago. Most motorists who use the road early in the morning and at 5pm at night pay no attention to the speed limits or the traffic calming measures.
As such, the traffic calming measures which are installed are a total waste of money. As above, the "rumble strips" may have a better response.
Also, the speed cushions are continually requiring repair as the tar breaks away from the main road surface.
The "traffic islands" are also in totally inappropriate positions causing more frustration for motorists!
Recommend? Yes 6
No 2
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hottie2
40 posts
Mar 2, 21:53
Report commentGet police out with speed gun.once they get fine and penalty points they will keep to 20 mph.
Recommend? Yes 7
No 2
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parhob
2 posts
Mar 2, 22:07
Report commentJust for the record, I agree with the reduced speed limit, just not how Fife Council have attempted to "enforce" it.
My main concern is that motorists are still ignoring the speed limit so the speed cushions do not work! Also, as above, there are a couple of the speed cushions which continually require repair - with the council taking between a week and 2 months to repair them.
As for the Police, they are regularly on the Main Street with the speed gun.
Recommend? Yes 6
No 1
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