Saltaire roundabout traffic calming plan is given the go-ahead (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Saltaire roundabout traffic calming plan is given the go-ahead

9:00am Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Marc Meneaud, Aire Valley Chief Reporter

A major scheme of improvements near the congested Saltaire roundabout was given the green light at a meeting last night when councillors backed a 20mph scheme in surrounding streets.

Shipley Area Committee voted in favour of the traffic calming scheme in the Nab Wood, Moorhead and Avondale areas of Shipley, which has been designed to cut speeding and rat-running through residential streets near the notorious roundabout, which is known to be one of the district’s worst bottlenecks.

“The committee wholeheartedly approved the officers’ recommendations that there should be two 20mph zones with traffic calming on Moorhead Lane,” said its chairman Coun David Heseltine (Con, Bingley).

Plans to turn the roundabout into a traffic light junction were approved by Bradford Council’s Executive in January last year.

Funds of up to £3.3 million are available from regional transport funds and Bradford Council money, including £2 million from the West Yorkshire Strategic Programme of Schemes.

An original scheme – designed to stop speeding and rat-running in Nab Wood and Moorhead by introducing 20mph zones – was rejected by the Shipley Area Committee in January after objections were raised by residents.

The plans have now been reassessed following recent changes to legislation on 20mph zones, which allow for a reduced number of physical calming measures.

Changes to the original scheme include keeping the 30mph speed limit along Moorhead Lane, but installing raised junctions with Avondale Road, Ashfield Road and an existing zebra crossing.

“After having a lot of letters and some fears, we’ve come up with a solution that will please the vast majority,” Coun Heseltine said.

The number of vertical calming features has been reduced from six to three.

In Nab Wood, the number of calming measures has been cut from 52 to 18 with speed limit warnings painted in the road and 20mph repeater signs proposed at sites originally earmarked for road humps or other vertical features.

Shipley Councillor, Kevin Warnes (Green) said political parties had successfully worked together for the common good.

“It took a lot of consultation with residents and we’ve got a good scheme which will mean safer, quieter streets for them and their children.

Mr Warnes added that work could begin as soon as the New Year.