Closed
Request for Speed Limit Reduction to 20 MPH and Traffic Calming Measures on Haydon Place and Sandfield Terrace
Reported via mobile in the Concern about speeding traffic category anonymously at 14:29, Sunday 13 October 2024
Sent to Surrey County Council less than a minute later.
Dear Surrey County Council,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request a review of the current speed limit on Haydon Place and Sandfield Terrace , which is currently set at 30 MPH, and to propose reducing it to 20 MPH. Additionally, we are requesting that traffic calming measures, such as the installation of bollards for pedestrian safety, be implemented along this road.
This road has several safety concerns that I believe make it suitable for a 20 MPH limit and the introduction of traffic calming measures:
1. Lack of Pedestrian Protection and Proximity to School: The road has double yellow lines on both sides, but no pedestrian protection such as pavements or barriers, leaving pedestrians, including children from the nearby school, vulnerable. The road is part of a one-way system, and the current speed limit is too high for such a narrow street where there are regular pedestrian crossings. We believe that the installation of bollards or similar measures would help protect pedestrians from traffic. 2. Recent Safety Incidents: • I witnessed an incident on 23rd September where a child almost got hit by a car. The child was running down the pavement, but because cars were parked waiting for deliveries from a takeaway shop, the child ran into the street. The driver of the oncoming car had to screech to a halt to avoid hitting the child. It was a distressing scene, with screaming and crying, and could have easily been a lot worse. • I also witnessed a fire engine and multiple ambulances with blue lights on having to slow down, and in some cases stop, due to parked cars outside the takeaway. The fire engine had to turn on its siren and wait for a car to move before proceeding. These delays pose serious risks in emergency situations. 3. Health and Safety Concerns for Residents: In addition to the safety of pedestrians, residents have ongoing concerns about health and safety due to the road’s layout and usage. The north end of Haydon Place frequently turns into an informal parking area from around 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, especially around the takeaway shop, contributing to noise, congestion, and further risks to pedestrians and vehicles alike. 4. Traffic Calming Measures: To further ensure pedestrian safety, we propose the installation of traffic calming measures, such as bollards along the pavement, to create a safer environment for both pedestrians and motorists. These measures would also prevent cars from encroaching onto pedestrian areas and reduce the risks posed by parked vehicles and speeding.
Given these safety concerns, we strongly believe that a reduction in the speed limit to 20 MPH, coupled with the installation of traffic calming measures, would greatly improve road safety for both pedestrians and motorists. It would also help ensure emergency vehicles can pass through more easily and reduce the risks posed by parked cars and limited visibility.
Serious Health and Safety Concerns
The road layout and conditions on Haydon Place present significant health and safety risks for residents, pedestrians, and schoolchildren, particularly those attending Sandfield Primary School, located just at the corner of Haydon Place and Sandfield Terrace. Many parents, including those with prams and children with additional needs, walk through this area daily, which is currently without proper pedestrian protection. The absence of pavements or bollards, combined with the 30 MPH speed limit, exposes pedestrians to potential harm, especially in narrow sections where parked cars reduce visibility.
Under UK law, local authorities are responsible for ensuring that public roads meet health and safety standards, as outlined in the Highways Act 1980 and the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. These laws provide powers for authorities to implement speed limits and introduce traffic calming measures to safeguard public health, including the protection of vulnerable road users such as schoolchildren and those with disabilities. Section 39 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 also requires local councils to take appropriate measures to reduce and prevent accidents involving pedestrians.
Given the vulnerable nature of the population in this area, particularly with children, families, and disabled individuals regularly walking to and from Sandfield Primary School, we believe it is imperative that measures are taken to improve road safety. The current conditions are inconsistent with the legal obligation to protect public safety, particularly for children and individuals with additional needs.
We kindly request a formal review of the speed limit and the potential for introducing these traffic calming measures. We would appreciate any steps taken to introduce a safer, lower speed limit and better pedestrian protection that aligns with the needs of the local community and the school nearby.
Please let me know if any further information or documentation is required to support this request. I am more than happy to discuss this matter further or provide additional evidence if necessary.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Nima Negarandeh 87 Haydon Place GU1 4LR
Updates
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Awaiting processing
Posted by Surrey County Council at 14:29, Sunday 13 October 2024
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Awaiting processing
Posted by Surrey County Council at 14:29, Sunday 13 October 2024
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Awaiting processing
Posted by Surrey County Council at 14:30, Sunday 13 October 2024
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Awaiting processing
Posted by Surrey County Council at 07:47, Saturday 19 October 2024
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Enquiry closed - response provided to original reporter
State changed to: Closed
Posted by Surrey County Council at 11:09, Wednesday 30 October 2024
If the issue is still ongoing, you can make a new report in the same location.