Wednesday 31 March 2010

ALDRIDGE ROAD SAFETY SCHEME IMPROVEMENTS OFF TO A SLOW START

Work has started on putting up speed cameras on the Aldridge Road between Shady Lane and the Great Barr School. It is hoped they should be activated by the summer when the electricity has been contacted. As for the rest of the scheme I have outlined the current position below.

Aldridge Road Local Safety Scheme Phase 2:
Adverse comments by local traders to the proposed guard rail at the junction of Dyas Road and Aldridge Road sadly remain unresolved at the moment. This has resulted in the delay in implementing the scheme as a whole
After constant pressure from Councillor Barbara Dring and myself concerning the safety of this part of the Aldridge Road, the Transportation Department propose to deliver the scheme in two phases this would ensure that Phase 2a could be implemented whilst a suitable solution is developed for Phase 2b.

Phase 2a- Traffic Calming Measures along Aldridge Road
Improvement works which were covered in the 2009 consultation, with no adverse comments received. Support from the Schools has also been secured for constructing a pair of pedestrian refuges in front of the Schools. This Phase should now proceed to detailed design and implementation subject to financial approval at each stage. It is envisaged that the implementation of this phase could commence in August 2010. This narrowing of the road should help reduce speed amd allow easier crossing of the road.
A separate consultation exercises will take place with local residents and Ward Councillors on the proposed double yellow line parking restrictions in the vicinity of the proposed pedestrian refuges in lieu of the single yellow line waiting restriction currently shown on the consultation drawing. This change has been proposed based on safety grounds for ensuring clear vehicular passage at the traffic islands.

Phase 2b- Pedestrian Safety Improvements at the Junction of Dyas Road and Aldridge Road, and Traffic Regulation Orders along Malthouse Lane
Investigation of junction improvements and parking restrictions on Malthouse Lane will be progressed concurrently with Phase 2a. Upon finalising the option, a separate consultation will take place. All views on this proposal will be treated separately to the consultation carried out for phase 2a.

I am also continuing to press for the Transportation Department to get on with their consultations with residents in Sandy Lane also, given the time they have taken to come up with safety measures on Sandy Lane (which is a separate scheme) near the Perry Beeches Schools. Delays to both these schemes and their various phases are very frustrating for everyone and are unacceptably slow.

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