Dear Reader, 

As residents of Mill End we have endured numerous near misses crossing both Skirmett Road near the Mill End Car Park and Marlow Road next to Hambleden Marina. We encounter weekly incidents where cars speed past blind spots where pedestrians are crossing the road and cars are pulling out of blind spot driveways. There has already been numerous pet fatalities and pedestrian near misses and due to the increasing number of visitors, elderly and young children using these crossings we are taking action.

Please join us in taking action to stop the speeding in Mill End before a fatal incident occurs and help us appeal to the local council and the police by signing this petition.

Here is what we will be putting forward: 

For the urgent attention of Buckinghamshire Council and Thames Valley Police,

Young children, elderly and disabled individuals rely on safe access and mobility in the Mill End neighbourhood. These pedestrian vulnerabilities make the lack of adequate traffic control at the intersection between Marlow Rd and Skirmett Rd in Mill End A4155 (a blind corner) and the crossing between Mill End Car Park and the pedestrian footpath a matter of urgent concern. As a community, we are deeply worried that a serious tragedy will occur in the area. 

To ensure the safety and protection of our residents and visitors, we're calling for immediate intervention. The installation of either a speed camera to enforce the speed limits or traffic lights to regulate vehicle flow could dramatically improve safety. Should these measures not be immediately feasible, a comprehensive speeding review should be conducted as a priority to evaluate and implement necessary actions to mitigate the speeding issue.

Immediate solutions to reduce speed and ensure the safety of all road users are not only necessary but vital. We strongly urge local authorities to prioritise these traffic control measures before a preventable tragedy occurs. Please sign this petition to help make our streets safer for everyone.

Please read below for more details on the areas of interest;

Marlow Road x Skirmett Road Intersection (A4155)

The intersection, located outside the entrance to Hambleden Marina, is plagued with vehicles — cars and motorbikes — which speed excessively. The official speed limit stands at 30 miles per hour, yet many drivers are ignoring this, negotiating the dangerous blind corner at perilously high speeds. This makes it practically impossible for pedestrians, including parents with small children, the elderly, and those with disabilities, to cross the road safely. There have been numerous near-miss incidents involving pedestrians and cyclists which heighten our concerns about the safety of our community.

Aside from being the only crossing  for many residents, this is the only route of exit for many individuals using the public footpath leading from Hambleden Weir towards Hambleden Village. During Spring, Summer and busy periods such as Henley Regatta, Henley Festival and Lockdown Lodge this footpath is used by thousands of visitors. These visitors are at a huge risk when crossing the road at this dangerous intersection, with practically zero pedestrian visibility after sundown.

Skirmett Road (A4155 to Mill End Car Park)

We also appeal for a reduced speed limit and pedestrian crossing or speed bumps on the road segment between Mill End Car Park and the Skirmett x Marlow Road junction. 

This segment is currently 40mph however often drivers reach above 50mph once on Skirmett Road. This has already caused many pet fatalities and near accidents with elderly and young residents due to the numerous blind spots. Four properties step immediately onto the road from the front gardens and there are six blind spots on driveways. We are extremely worried that these near misses will soon become more fatal. 

The thin footpath that runs from the carpark to Marlow Road has an increasingly high footfall and is a popular route for walkers, including families with young children which adds more reason for a reduced speed limit with either a zebra crossing or speed bumps to ensure that the speed limit is followed.

Thank you for reading,

Mill End Community.