Re-think call on Saltaire traffic-calming plans (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Re-think call on Saltaire traffic-calming plans

9:00am Friday 27th January 2012 in Aire Valley By Marc Meneaud

Councillors last night urged a re-think on controversial plans for a Shipley traffic calming scheme, after its supporters were excluded from giving their views.

Councillor David Robinson said it was “deplorable” and “undemocratic” a proposed 20mph zone in Nab Wood and Moorhead had been thrown out, despite an influential committee not hearing the views of its supporters.

The scheme – designed to stop speeding and rat-running – was rejected by the Shipley Area Committee, after its critics’ objections were heard at a meeting earlier this month.

Shipley Councillor Martin Love called in the decision to be heard at a meeting of the environment and waste management overview and scrutiny committee last night.

He said: “At the Shipley Area Committee there were residents present to speak against the proposals but none to speak in favour. They had not been told about the meeting.”

Simon D’Vali, principal traffic engineer for Shipley, told councillors the authority had no duty to inform supporters of traffic schemes when they would be discussed.

But he admitted the Council could have been “more prudent” by inviting supporters of the Nab Wood proposals, which have sharply divided opinion.

The scrutiny committee referred the proposals back to the Shipley Area Committee for more discussion, taking into account supporters’ arguments.