‘Urgent’ demands to improve Bucks junction safety after death of pets
A petition is running until 19 October
‘Urgent’ demands to improve junction safety have been levelled at the council – after the death of some beloved pets.
A campaigner is asking Bucks Council to “implement traffic calming measures” at the Missenden Road and Church Street (B485) junction in Old Town, Chesham.
It is thought it could be a Bucks councillor.
They claimed to ‘have listened to residents’ concerns’ about “pets being knocked down and killed”, “parents with their buggies feeling unsafe” and general “concerns about traffic safety”.
They ‘invited as many residents as possible’ to sign an e-petition to pressure the council to “take action as quickly as possible.”
Cllr Jane MacBean said in “recent weeks” HS2 lorries had been “inappropriately” using Church Street and the B485, “even though it is not an approved route”.
“We the undersigned petition the council to urgently implement traffic calming measures to improve safety for residents, their families and pets at the Missenden Road and Church Street junction in Old Town, Chesham,” the petitioner wrote.
Adding: “After having visited residents and having listened to their concerns about traffic safety on their street, and having learned about pets being knocked down and killed by speeding vehicles, young parents with their buggies feeling unsafe on the narrow pavement, I would like to invite as many residents as possible to sign this petition to ensure my colleagues at Bucks Council take action as quickly as possible.”
Suggested options include:
– Mobile Vehicle Activated Signs (MVAS)
– Speed cameras
– Community speedwatch
– Speed limit reduction
“Church Street and the Pednor area of Chesham are a precious conservation area and need to be protected from increases in both traffic volume and poor driver behaviour,” said Cllr MacBean.
“In particular, The Chesham Society, the Town Council and Buckinghamshire Council have lobbied extensively for additional protection from what we felt would be the inevitable unauthorised use of this road as a lorry route as HS2 increased its presence at the Chesham vent shaft site.
“In recent weeks we have evidenced HS2 lorries using Church Street and the B485 inappropriately even though it is not an approved route and contractors have confirmed that they have had cause to reprimand a number of their drivers.
“We remain vigilant and will continue to monitor the route for any further inappropriate activity and won’t hesitate to lobby HS2 for crucial mitigation measures if evidence of further transgressions is forthcoming.”
Chesham Town Council was approached for comment.
The petition ends on October 19.