Withdean Issues
DAMAGED PAVEMENTS IN WITHDEAN WARD
Many residents have complained quite correctly about the poor state of pavements in the Ward. Ken and I have done a survey of a number of roads to see just how much of a problem this is throughout the whole area of Withdean and have identified problems in almost all roads surveyed. It is true that not a lot of money is allocated to reinstate pavements as other issues always seem to have a higher priority. We are reporting our findings to the relevant officers for comment and hopefully repair. If you know of any particularly difficult pavements in Withdean and also in the rest of the city please let us know and we will hand on complaint to the relevant department.
SURRENDEN ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUE
Many residents have voiced concerns to me about the dangers particularly being faced by parents and young children who cross Surrenden Road at its junction with Harrington Road. This busy junction is used on a daily basis by those attending Balfour Schools and Dorothy Stringer School and it was hoped that build outs at the junctions with Harrington Road and Loder Road would help those wishing to cross the road at this point, particularly parents with young children or buggies who obviously cross the road at a slower pace.
I have once again raised the issue of speeding vehicles and the near miss situations that have been related to us as Ward Councillors and have requested that the build outs are made more visible to motorists using Surrenden Road.
The more serious issue is that caused by motorists who consistently flout the 30mph limit and we are working with other agencies to see how to enforce the speed limit most effectively.
A23 SUSTAINABLE CORRIDOR – PHASE 5 – CARDEN AVENUE TO MILL ROAD
I have received many enquiries about the proposed installation of traffic lights at the junction of Deneway and Carden Avenue which are scheduled to be part of the Phase 5 road works soon to be carried out which will complete London Road to its junction with Mill Road. Following discussions with Highways engineers, I understand that traffic lights remain an important part of this work.
ROAD LAYOUT ALTERATIONS IN OLD LONDON ROAD AND LADIES MILE ROAD
An update about changes in the traffic layout near to the shops at the junction of Old London Road and Ladies Mile Road.
Following my enquiries on behalf of Withdean residents,which supported the representations of Patcham Ward Councillors, the new central pedestrian reservation at the junction of Ladies Mile Road with Old London Road has been reduced in size by 30cms. I would be grateful for your opinions as to whether this change has improved the difficulties experienced since the new lay out has been completed.
TRAFFIC CALMING IN WITHDEAN ROAD
For a number of years I have realized that Withdean Road is being used on a more regular basis as a rat run between London Road and Dyke Road. Those who live in close proximity to this road are very well aware that it is a road with a number of fairly sharp bends and we have always supported those residents who have been asking if traffic calming measures could be introduced.
I am very pleased to know that residents have submitted a self financing scheme that has secured the approval of the Environment Committee and look forward to the time when the road calming is introduced and is subsequently made much less attractive to those speeding vehicles that habitually cause danger to every other user of Withdean Road.
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN MILL RISE AND BANKSIDE
Following numerous complaints about traffic congestion in Mill Rise and Bankside in the early morning and mid afternoon, I have been working with officers from the Road Safety Team at Brighton and Hove City Council to see how problems and road safety can be improved. The children from Westdene School are already working on a travel plan with support from Staff and Road Safety Officers and I understand that progress is being made in identifying ways that problems can be reduced at busy times. As further information becomes available, I will update this column.