£150k road safety scheme to be introduced in Goodmayes despite objections from residents

Jessica Earnshaw Tuesday, November 27, 2012
2:02 PM

A £150,000 road safety scheme has been backed by councillors despite residents speaking out against the proposals, branding it unnecessary due to the low number of accidents.

The proposals, which were discussed at the area committee five meeting last night at Mayfield School, Pedlay Road, Chadwell Heath, would see a number of measures introduced to promote safety and traffic calming.

The committee voted unanimously for the scheme which will include a 20mph zone in the Abbotsford Road, Goodmayes area with entry treatments and At Any Time waiting restrictions.

Speed bumps will be added to ten roads in the surrounding streets, including Aberdour Road, Airthrie Road, Alloa Road, Broomhill Road, Colinton Road, Hazeldene Road, Kilmartin Road, Meldrum Road and Mayesbrook Road.

Resident Elaine Hamilton, of Meldrum Road, said: “The traffic in the area is high but the number of accidents is very low. The number of complaints does not warrant the money that would be spent.”

Jean Gladstone, whose mother lives on Meldrum Road, said: “This area has a low level of accidents and I understand that the situation could get worse if this road is not included in the measure, but surely different roads have very different issues.”

The committee heard that between 40-50 per cent of drivers in the area were using the streets as a through road.

Cllr Ali Hai said: “Primarily I feel my responsibility is people’s safety and this is primarily a safety issue but I don’t want residents to suffer. Those that have spoken from Meldrum Road have a point, but most residents want the changes.”

Cllr Bert Jones added: “The speed humps have caused a lot of strong feeling but the traffic is a problem on these roads. We don’t want to wait for something serious to happen, so I recommend we go ahead with the plans.”

The scheme will be included in the 2012/13 capital programme for traffic management measures and there will be no financial implications to area five.