Three months ago, a driver drove into my garden wall after entering Swayfield village at some speed. This accident, while causing damage to both personal property and the vehicle involved, was close to being much worse. A dog walker was lucky to come away unhurt , and the driver, only suffering from minor injuries, could have been seriously harmed or worse. This incident brought to light the dangers of the current traffic speed at the village entrance. 

Currently, it seems the disposition of drivers entering our village is to completely ignore the speed limit, posing potentially fatal risks to safety. This is particularly severe when the A1 is closed and our village becomes a makeshift bypass. In these moments, drivers move at high speeds, often unaware of blind bends, pedestrians, and properties. This behaviour creates an environment that is hardly safe for our residents, especially children, seniors, and pets.

I advocate for the reduction of the speed limit from 60 mph to 30 mph at the Swayfield sign as drivers enter the village. As it stands, the 30 mph limit only applies halfway past my bungalow, leaving Water Lane also subject to 60 mph. This situation creates a potential accident risk. I also believe it is equally imperative that Water Lane be changed to a quiet lane, to further secure the safety of our residents. To add that there is no public footpath or pavement beyond The Paddocks along Castle Bytham Road to Water Lane so the edge of the village , forcing young and old pedestrians to use the roads alongside vehicles travelling at national speed limits and above at times .  

Each year, speeding causes about a third of all motor vehicle fatalities in the UK, as reported by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. These aren't just statistics these are our loved ones, our children , and our neighbours. More incidents happen in urban areas, the fatality rate on rural roads is ‘strikingly higher’ – at one for every 31 collisions, compared to one for every 120 on urban roads.

By pledging your support to this petition, you aid our vision of a safer Swayfield, where drivers respect the speed limit, and the safety of all residents is prioritized over uncontrolled speed. Stand with us in this advocacy. Sign the petition today.