Page 19 - link magazine

NEWS &VIEWS 19
Road safety - Everybody's issue
Pedestrians are at risk from vehicles allover West Swindon because of their sheer numbers, sight lines blocked by landscaping and planting, bad
planning and inadequate pedestrian routes, and the speed, impatience, thoughtlessness and lack of consideration of some drivers.
A year ago The Link magazine published a plea by Swindon Police for information on danger spots in the area. You sent in many letters, but
the ever-increasing restrictions on local government spending has made remedial action unlikely for the foreseable future - unless somebody is
seriously injured or killed. Unfortunately it'll take a fatality to see action. We print the points of conflict you put forward to the police:
• Parking and poor standard of driving in and around Salt Way School, Crossing point at Corton Crescent between West Swindon Centre and
Middleleaze at the beginning and end of the school day. Westlea. There were calls for action last year, but little has been done
• Parking around Toothill school gates following a report to a Thamesdown Council committee.
• Bus lay-by is needed outside OliverTomkins School, Beaumaris Road, Crossing point across Whitehill Way between Eastleaze and Westlea.
Toothill where blockages often take place at school arrival/departure A footpath link was put in three years ago, but parents and children still
times risk life and limb
• Exit from Brook Field School, Shaw is on a blind bend and is very Readers can easily add to this list. Whatis to be done? With each crossing
dangerous when cars park on either side of the school gates point costing up to £10,000 and the reluctance by the the highway
authorities to slow traffic down using 'sleeping policemen,' it's difficult not
• All schools need zig-zag lines, school signs and flashing lights
to have a gloomy view of new safety measures being introduced in the
• The Tjunction of Westlea Drive and Rivenhall Road where vehicles cut
area. Pedestrians just have to watch out and drivers have to take extra
the corner. Junction needs redesigning.
care. If you know more danger spots, let us know.
• I junction of Liskeard Way and Gainsborough Way requires a central
island to prevent motorists cutting corner
• The lack of a footpath along Welton Road (to the Tennis Centre) in
Westlea
• Parking in the road outside Barclays Bank, Rivenhall Road, Westlea -
• The curved design of Ramleaze Drive, Shaw makes exit from Alpine
Close dangerous (See letter from the Police on page 22)
• Pedestrian crossing on Ashington Way next to stream is very
dangerous because of traffic coming off large roundabout.
• Barriers are needed at pedestrian crossings on Rowton Heath EXrE1W Ct
Way,Toothill and Ramleaze Drive (next to Tamworth Drive), to prevent
cyclists shooting across the road.
• The lack of surface level access to Blagrove Industrial Estate across NOW AVAILABLE
Whitehill Way.
• Speed limits on Whitehill Way and Tewkesbury Way should be
restricted to 40mph from 60mph.
• Better sign-posting of the Hotel Ibis to drivers using the bus only lane T-A-K-EAwAy
off Great Western Way at Mannington roundabout
• Crossing point needed from West Swindon Centre to doctors surgery THE SUPERB AUTHENTIC CUISINE
on Rivenhall Way
• Crossing Freshbrook Way from Westminster Road, Toothill is OF THE CHINESE EXPERIENCE
dangerous because vehicles are hidden from view by the rise in the hill
• There are many near accidents caused by impatient drivers overtaking
othervehicles approaching Mannington roundabout along Tewkesbury OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 5.5OPM - 10PM
Way when they are suddenly faced by oncoming vehicles coming off ADVANCE ORDERS ADVISED,
the roundabout
ESPECIALLY AT WEEKENDS
Apart from the points made to the police, the following could be thrown in
for good measure:
• Speed restriction measures required on Cartwright Drive, especiallyby MEAD W, SPARCELLS, WEST SWINDON
the new play area
• Foot access to Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, next to Pizza Hut, is TELEPHONE ORDERS WELCOME
hazardous
• Lack of footpath along Sudely Wayto Holinshead Place to connect with
the path up Grange Park Way © 877888

Included in price Included in price
on all buildings CRYSTAL on all buildings
Fitted electrics, insulated Fitted overhead fan,
floor, blinds, overhead fan CONSERVATORIES security light, patio relay

+ Superb Mahogany/uPVC Conservatories + Highly trained reliable fitters
+ Full guarantees & Deposit Indemnity + DIY catered for with Crystal back up service
+ Speak to our many satisfied customers + Commercial projects undertaken
4. Over 20 Conservatories built in last 6 months • The complete conservatory service by a
+ Expert design service inclusive of drawings family firm

NEW YEAR SALE The choice of excellence
uPVC Victoriana 12' 6 x 11'3" on dwarf makes quality your
wall £6,995 inclusive of all extras above
and blinds of your choice hallmark Tel: 496179