Planners urged to ignore objections (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Planners urged to ignore objections

7:00am Monday 18th March 2013 in News By Chris Tate, T&A Reporter

Council planners are being urged to override local objections to proposed speed humps and traffic calming on Duchy Avenue, Heaton.
Despite petitions from residents who claim it is the volume not the speed of traffic which is the problem, officers have recommended the Bradford West Area Committee approve a new 20mph zone for Duchy Avenue, Duchy Drive and Coniston Grove.
The scheme would include 11 humps in Duchy Avenue, seven in Duchy Drive and seven in Coniston Grove.
The whole residential area will also be subject to a 20mph limit. Commuting motorists make use of the tight roads to cut between Toller Lane and Heights Lane to avoid congestion around the Haworth Road junction.
But those living in Duchy Avenue would rather have their road closed to physically prevent it being use as a rat run and in a letter sent with the petitions they state:
“Speed is not the main issue, as the Council’s own survey has shown the an average speed of 23mph.
“Although the introduction of a 20mph zone is welcomed, the biggest issue we face is the number of vehicles using is as a short cut.
“Any attempt to slow the high volume of traffic going through Duchy Avenue will only add to the problem the residents face as it will cause further queues at a reduced speed, aggravating the congestion issues.”
Although it is recognised speed humps are needed on Duchy Drive, the residents of Duchy Avenue believe the council’s survey of opinion is unbalanced: “An overwhelming majority of Duchy Avenue residents want a closure of the road and not speed bumps - the surrounding resident do not want closure as they will not be able to use it as a short cut.”
However Council officers claim the humps will actively deter drivers from using the road and recommend that all the proposals are approved when the Bradford West Area Committee meets on Wednesday.