Do they spoil the view? Mixed feelings over Ironbridge road markings
New speed markings have been introduced at a tourism hotspot months after speed bumps were removed.
Councillor Nicola Lowery said she was delighted that the 20mph markings had been introduced at Ironbridge, but there has been mixed reaction to the news with some saying they spoil the roadway in the tourist hotspot.
Surface work was carried out along the Wharfage in Ironbridge Gorge in May and June this year.
But while work was undertaken, existing traffic-calming methods – including speed bumps – were removed, and it was agreed that the features would not initially be replaced.
This has been to allow for a period of monitoring to inform what traffic calming would be replaced.
Speed Indicator Devices (SID) and Automatic Traffic Counters (ATC) have been in place along the Wharfage and Tontine Hill to collect speeding data in the area.
Officers at Telford & Wrekin Council are analysing the data using a comparison between pre and post scheme recorded vehicle speeds.
However, in order to reiterate the 20mph speed limit to motorists, white roundels have now been painted in the road highlighting the issue.
Councillor Lowery, who represents the ward, says in addition, a speed limit sign has been ordered for the Dale End roundabout.
"I’m delighted that we managed to get the 20mph roundels completed within this particular programme as that will hopefully along with further signage assist in re-iterating the speed limit, she said.
"A 20mph sign has also been ordered for the Dale End roundabout for when coming onto the Wharfage and will be looking at signage off Waterloo Street and Madeley Road roundabout.
"I fully appreciate the concerns raised on disturbance from motorists and bike users and I am keen to reassure everyone of what action has been taken.
"I am currently liaising with our local sergeant on what action the police are taking and they are in the process of establishing a Risk Management Plan to record actions and decisions made around anti-social use of vehicles in the Gorge."
If the data shows the lack of traffic calming measures along the road have resulted in a rise in careless motorists, cushions – different from speed bumps – could be introduced.
In order to crackdown on speeding vehicles, Councillor Lowery is urging residents to record and report as many incidents as possible.
She added: "In terms of recording data the police need to have evidence that these vehicles/bikes are causing anti-social behaviour and one way of doing this is by taking written statements from residents identifying which car or bikes are causing the issues.
"I fully appreciate that this is not possible in some instances, but if this is data people are able to capture from any further incidents, do record the registration plate and contact the local policing team on 101 as it is important that the police build their intelligence base around this to focus their resources."
But, posting on social media, Nathan Perkins said: "They look awful. It spoils the views."
Pamela Jones added: "Not only are they extremely ugly, I would be very surprised if they stop the speeders."
