1,200 call for speed bumps to be removed

People in Shawbury want the speed cushions removed from the 30mph stretch of Wem Road as they believe they are not a suitable form of enforcement. The petition has been sent to Shirehall by residents.

It is one of a number of highways issues affecting the village, which also include speeding on the A53 on approaches to the village and inconsiderate parking by the Co-op, which sits on the main road.

The speed cushions on Wem Road were brought in when a 40mph stretch of the road was replaced by a 30mph limit earlier this year.

Jack Wilson, clerk of Shawbury Parish Council, said councillors were aware of the feelings of many residents about the speed cushions.

He said: "The project has been discussed at council meetings and the emails received from residents have all been forwarded to councillor Simon Jones and Richard Ayton, the highways officer responsible."

Mr Wilson said the council had received a reply from Mr Ayton stating that all the concerns and questions had been noted and that they were in the process of monitoring the scheme.

He said: "There is not much more we can do now. The petition the residents have signed has been handed to Shropshire Council."

A motion passed unanimously by parish councillors at a recent meeting states: "The parish council fully supports the extension of the 30mph speed limit on Wem Road and understands the need for Shropshire Council to take note of the request from the police for traffic calming measures and also the concerns of local residents. It is felt that the system used is not suitable for this road and that a more appropriate form of control should be used."

Mr Wilson said efforts were also being made to resolve other traffic-related issues in the area.

He said: "Councillors and I recently met with David Gradwell (Shropshire Council's road safety engineer) to look at the problems of speeding traffic in White Lodge Park.

"Mr Gradwell promised to arrange for additional signs and road markings.

"The main issue is the dangerous situation on the A53, caused by traffic leaving the Elephant and Castle, speeding traffic, inconsiderate parking by the Co-op and other shops and the short distance between the traffic lights and the pedestrian crossing, concealed by the bend in the road.

"A variety of suggestions were considered to help improve the situation but providing a solution was complex.

"The police have agreed to take action against offending motorists and approach the manager of the Co-op to see if attempts can be made to restrict off-road parking at the site.

"Members feel that they have done all they can to alleviate the problem and it was generally agreed that much of the problem would be resolved if motorists used the excellent council car park and walked the short distance to the shops."