Mobile signs to tackle speeding in Coventry
The plan follows a community petition raising concerns about safety in the area
Mobile speed-warning signs are to be installed in Cheylesmore in Coventry to tackle speeding. The council is also considering a pedestrian refuge at the busy Daventry Road junction, following a community petition raising concerns about safety in the area.
David Keaney, Coventry City Council’s head of network management, made the pledge at the latest meeting of the cabinet member for city services. It was in response to a petition calling for action along William Bristow Road and prompted Cllr Roger Bailey, one of the councillors who represent the area, to say that it would be a step in the right direction.
The petition said: “We the undersigned petition the council to implement speed reduction monitors on William Bristow Road. This will ease the reduction in speeding traffic as this road is used as a bus route and a main route cars use to get on to London Road as they are unable to turn right at the top of Daventry Road.”
It added that the speed of traffic was putting the safety of everyone including children at risk and went on: “The situation equally mirrors the one on the Mount Road. However, the installation of a speed reduction monitor there has drastically reduced the rate of careless driving. If similar measures are enforced here, it will do much to safeguard our community.
"The happiness, security, and well-being of our neighbourhood depend on action like this being taken, helping to create a safer space for children and all residents.”
Mr Keaney said that based on the available evidence and recognising the concerns expressed by the local community through the petition, William Bristow Road had been added to the council’s mini speed visor programme which will see the deployment of a temporary mobile vehicle activated sign.
He said: “These signs are deployed across the city in response to concerns raised over speeding by local residents and are rotated on a rolling programme to sites in order to highlight driver speed and aid compliance with the speed limit.
“We have three signs that we move around the city. At the moment it is looking that it would come back to the site a couple of times each year and that will be quite effective. As a driver, we can become accustomed to signage when it is there all the time.
“If we see a really positive outcome we can always look at introducing a more permanent measure if we think it is the right solution at the right location. In the first instance, the mini signs give us the flexibility that we can alter its position along the road or orientation.”
A refuge could also be installed at the top of William Bristow Road where it meets Daventry Road following reports that drivers are treating the staggered junction as a crossroads.
Cllr Bailey said: “Speed is obviously a concern because it is a wide road and it is going downhill. What is being proposed is a great step in the right direction. This is very welcome. Not only are you going to give us some signs but you are going to look at the refuge as well which is a serious concern. It is going to make it safer crossing the road.”