I’ve lived in Thistleton Village for several years, and in that time, I’ve personally witnessed an alarming increase in the volume of traffic passing through Thistleton Road in Preston, PR4 3XA. This charming village road, which should primarily serve the residents of Thistleton, has become a busy thoroughfare for vehicles, many of which belong to individuals from nearby areas such as Elswick, Great Eccleston, and Inskip.

A sign at the Fleetwood Road junction clearly signifies 'Thistleton Village', indicating that this road should be reserved for local access. Unfortunately, this vital signpost is frequently ignored. The unintended consequence is that Thistleton Road is now inundated with an excessive number of vehicles, leading to noise pollution, safety concerns for pedestrians, and decreased quality of life for local residents.

It's estimated that hundreds of vehicles traverse Thistleton Road daily, contributing to these pressing issues. Action is desperately needed to restore the tranquility and safety of our village. I propose implementing speed restrictions and measures to deter unnecessary road traffic. Such measures could include traffic calming measures like speed bumps, clearer signage with enforcement warnings, or even a resident-only access initiative during certain hours.

I urge local authorities to recognize this issue's severity and take swift, decisive action. Installing speed cameras and creating strategic traffic diversion plans might also be necessary to manage the traffic flow more effectively and ensure adherence to the regulations.

According to data from the UK's Department for Transport, reducing speed limits and enforcing traffic restrictions in village settings can dramatically reduce accidents and enhance community well-being. A publication by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) also supports the correlation between lowered speeds and reduced casualty rates.

Please join me in calling for essential changes that will safeguard Thistleton’s serenity and safety. Your signature can significantly impact and advocate for the peaceful and secure village life we cherish. Sign this petition to demand action now.