I would first of all like to say I am really grateful to all the people who have helped the fight to bring the speed limit of Forshaw Heath Road
However
During a conversation with reference to speeding cars I was surprised when I was advised I was just as likely to get killed at 30 mph as I was at 60 mph. Suffice to say I was quite taken back and for once stumped for words. In fact so stumped I failed miserably to bring into the conversation the following.
The risk of death is approximately four times higher when a pedestrian is hit at 40mph than at 30mph
I was equally as speechless when the same person advised me there was no way we could stop lunatics. I agree we won’t be able to stop all the lunatics.
My point is because our speed limit says 60 mph or in the future 50 mph people thinks it’s safe to go quickly. Our lanes have pedestrians, Horses, Dog walkers etc we have T Junctions turning onto a 60 mph road on a blind bend.
I was also advised that the average speed on the road was 45 mph and only 2 drivers out of 3000 went over the 60 mph limit. Erm I would love to know how that is worked out.
That means 1/2 were going at under and 30 mph (The Day Time Residents and Locals ) and the other half near as damn it going up to the speed limit but not breaking it.
Anything between 30 and 59.99 mph.
Wow we get an average of 45 mph I don't know if this is the correct way to get to the average speed but I have managed to get to calculating the average speed 45 mph.
So we have 1500 cars going over 30 mph and UP TO 60 in short that means 750 people per day go at or over 45mph and under 60 mph. 50 mph is still to quick and is a compromise allowing those that drive dangerously to continue doing so.
That means 1/2 were going at under and 30 mph (The Day Time Residents and Locals ) and the other half near as damn it going up to the speed limit but not breaking it.
Anything between 30 and 59.99 mph.
Wow we get an average of 45 mph I don't know if this is the correct way to get to the average speed but I have managed to get to calculating the average speed 45 mph.
So we have 1500 cars going over 30 mph and UP TO 60 in short that means 750 people per day go at or over 45mph and under 60 mph. 50 mph is still to quick and is a compromise allowing those that drive dangerously to continue doing so.
The person I was talking to misses the point the driving on this road is to fast full stop IT IS NOT ABOUT BREAKING THE SPEED LIMIT. It is about driving appropriately and safely. The speed limit is only part of the problem.
I personally think all Councils have a duty of care to advise people what is appropriate and safe just like I have to at work with my staff.
I personally think all Councils have a duty of care to advise people what is appropriate and safe just like I have to at work with my staff.
Just as I started calming down during this conversation I was once again floored and left almost speechless. When advised there have only been two reported accidents. Well I am sorry but the near misses and screeching of brakes honking of horns obscenities and a list of dead and injured domestic pets may not have resulted in a reported accident but it does suggest there may be a problem.
When it comes to it the real problem is managing it. There are no resources to manage speeding traffic or careless thoughtless dangerous drivers.
Not all fast drivers are youngsters who have just passed their test or joy riders. Yes they do exist and always will do but I think they are a minority
In my experience as a pedestrian and now a car driver of this road it is those that have powerful cars and rush to get to work or from point a to b. are impatient risk takers. They are totally ambivalent to anything and really don’t care what impact their careless driving has on local residents.
These people should know better lead by example and slow down or start out 5 mins earlier so they don’t have to rush.