The road safety scheme installed by Shropshire Council outside Ludlow Primary School on Sandpits Road a year ago doesn’t work. If anything, it speeds up traffic approaching the school gates because it has a low profile and a smooth surface. Discussions have been taking place since the installation of the raised table between Shropshire Council’s highways team, the council’s engineers WSP and councillor Tracey Huffer, Shropshire Councillor for Ludlow East, which includes the Sandpits area.
The result is a scheme to install three new speed humps east of the raised table and two groups of two humps to its west. There will also be changes to road signs and markings.
Tracey Huffer comments:
“This new scheme is just what we need. Safety outside Ludlow Primary School on Sandpits Road has been of concern ever since the crossing attendant retired and was not replaced. It is a densely populated area and there is a lot of traffic along the road. The pavements are narrow in places and it doesn’t feel a safe place for children to walk.”
Tracey continues:
“The new scheme will at last slow traffic down. This will make Sandpits Road much safer. Western Power Distribution is expected to move from its Riddings site to a new depot off the Eco Park in the next few months. That will also help ease the traffic pressure on Sandpits Road.
“Drivers also have role to play. The speed at which some drive is unacceptable. They should keep their speed down, especially when children are around.”
Three new speed humps east of the raised table and two groups of two humps to its west. There will also be changes to road signs and markings.
Shropshire Council’s engineers, WSP, say it is not possible to raise the height of the hump due to “site constraints” and because it would create an uncomfortable ride for bus users.
A new “New Road Layout Ahead” sign will be installed at the Henley Road entrance to Sandpits Road, along with a sign “Humps for 390 yards”. A sign on Julian Road will indicate humps in both directions on Sandpits Road.
Both sides of the existing ramp will be treated with a buff non-friction surface and markings refreshed.
It is also recommended that street lighting in the area is improved, though this will need to wait until the next upgrade of lights on Sandpits Road. New Road Layout Ahead signs, one of which was installed facing in the wrong direction, will be removed as they are only required to be in place for three months. Road markings will be refreshed and the double yellow no waiting lines on the north side of the road extended.
why isn’t there a proper pedestrian crossing , traffic lights even ?