For many years local residents have been regularly subjected to what is commonly known as "Bridge Wars" on the Cole End Bridge at Coleshill in North Warwickshire. Since being elected as County Councillor, I have attempted to resuscitate dialogue with Warwickshire County Council with regard to the introduction of Traffic Light Control on this historic, popular but narrow bridge, where it isn't possible for 2 vehicles to pass each other.

We know what is supposed to happen with approaching vehicles. 

There are give way markings on the road from both directions. This is often disregarded.

There is adequate warning signage regarding giving way to oncoming vehicles. This is often disregarded.

If a vehicle is in motion and already partially across the bridge, arriving vehicles from the opposite direction should give way to it. Often though, vehicles arrive at speed, making no attempt to check they have right of way before crossing.

Visibility on approach is far from perfect, from Lichfield Rd direction. However, it is expected of the individual motorist to self-regulate, but many do not. The result is a stand-off, where each motorist insists they had right of way. In the event that nobody backs down, traffic jams ensue. This is also a main bus route. If such events happen at peak times, the knock-on effect on surrounding roads is significant.

The solution is thus. Traffic light control , yellow boxed areas over the junctions with Station Road and Old Mill Road, to keep access to those roads clear. CCTV cameras to enforce over weight vehicle crossing offences.

The barrier to progress is that funding must be identified, but also council criteria for traffic light project consideration is not being met, i.e. WCC won't concede this is a priority/problem area, due to lack of collision statistics collated.

All local residents know of the problems with this bridge, and the majority seem to be in favour of the proposed solution. However, it seems that we need to put the issue firmly in the public domain in order to make anything happen, so please consider signing this petition to indicate your support for the traffic light control proposal, intended to ease congestion, eradicate Bridge Wars stand-offs, and prevent misuse of/damage to the bridge by prohibited vehicles. Warwickshire County Council need to be made aware of local residents opinions on this matter, and take them into consideration when plotting their next round of road safety improvement priorities.