Further to the recent updates which have been posted to this petition, the Moorfield Action group has been receiving a large number of emails from concerned residents suggesting possible solutions to our ongoing problems with road safety. Unfortunately, we cannot answer all individual emails, so in order to address the majority of questions and suggestions put forward, we have put together this update which will hopefully cover a wide range of questions which have been asked. The action group was formed to co-ordinate as a group of concerned residents, rather than individual trying to battle with Halton Borough Council to try and ensure the safety of our whole community.
Static Speed Camera - Halton Borough Council have stated that this is the sole responsibility of Cheshire Police and the Cheshire Road Safety Group. There is a strict criterion regarding the minimum number of speed related injury accidents within the vicinity of the proposed site and as it stands Moorfield Road falls well short of the minimum threshold. Also, in the current economic climate and with the high cost of installing speed cameras HBC hasn’t got the necessary funds. Cheshire Police have stated that the decision to install a static Speed Camera is the responsibility of Halton Borough Council.
Traffic Calming Measures – All rejected with no further options put forward by HBC
Railway Bridge Give Way - HBC has stated that a give way sited o the railway bridge have been considered and rejected due to environmental issues and safety. Constructing a pinch point at the railway bridge is considered impractical due to the impact on the traffic flow as forward visibility for southbound traffic would be compromised by the road layout, due to the presence of parked cars adjacent to the terraced houses at the bridge parapet. Additionally whilst a scheme involving a series of chicanes and build outs has also been considered and rejected as a consequence of the close proximity of private driveways and a high density of on street parking, engineers could not identify suitable locations to construct them. Also in the current economic climate and the demands upon the council for maintaining a balanced budget resources have to be directed to roads with a higher road traffic collision history.
Table Humps - HBC have stated that full width table humps (the most effective form of traffic calming) has been considered and rejected. Each hump would require a minimum plateau length of 6 meters, with 1 in 12 on/off gradients. Given the high density of private accesses it has been concluded that there is insufficient carriageway space to locate them without obstructing driveways. Also in the current economic climate the council does not have a budget for traffic management.
Speed Bumps - HBC have stated that the options of speed bumps (75mm high cushions and 37mm high cushions) has been considered and rejected. The high density of driveways means that locating these features at the required minimum distance apart of 60m - 80m between the humps is problematic. Also in the current economic climate and the demands upon the council for maintaining a balanced budget resources have to be directed to roads with a higher road traffic collision history. Even though there have been a number of recorded injury collisions
Rumble Strips - HBC have stated that the option of rumble strips has been considered and rejected. This is due to the close proximity to the houses, otherwise ground borne vibration from vehicles going over the more severe rumble strips could affect the foundation of buildings. Also in the current economic climate the council does not have a budget for traffic management. Residents on Barrows Green Lane have told the action group that they regret asking for rumble strips for this reason as many are now experiencing vibration within their own properties.
Speed Signage - Despite being told by a Local Councillor that Speed Camera signage could not be used unless a static camera was present HBC agreed back in October 2019 that further road signage will be erected. Cheshire Police has identified Moorfield Road as a priority location for Police mobile speed camera enforcement, so works have now been undertaken to provide a marked bay to accommodate the enforcement vehicle. As a consequence of this designation, further signage will be erected on Moorfield Road to highlight the camera enforcement. Additional signage will include 2 combined speed camera / 30mph signs on a blue background and also 3 black speed camera image signs on a white background.
Red Route – Representatives from Halton Borough Council have stated on many occasions that Moorfield Road is designated as a Red Route for emergency vehicles, so any form of traffic calming measures were out of the question! This is incorrect information and the action group has a written copy from the HBC Divisional Manager Traffic Risk Emergency Planning H/S explaining that Moorfield Road has NEVER been designated as a red route. So ask yourselves why have so many residents been told this?
Over 43% of all southbound traffic using Moorfield Road is still breaking the speed limit of 30mph. The SID camera sited on Moorfield Road has recorded southbound traffic reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph but this doesn’t pose any danger to residents according to Halton Borough Council. According to their own equipment which has now malfunctioned since the last negative press article was published shows that over 625,000 vehicles are exceeding the permitted 30mph speed limit every year and therefore breaking the law but does anybody care? Or act on our behalf? No they do not! Halton Borough Council, continue to dismiss, disprove, invalidate, discredit and contradict any evidence of a serious road safety issue on Moorfield Road and refuse to take any action against excessive speeding and dangerous driving, but we will fight on!
According to Halton Borough Council there has never been a serious accident on Moorfield Road due to speed! see attached photograph!