The safety of residents and visitors is of paramount important for the Parish Council, but there is no quick fix when it comes to addressing traffic issues. Here are a few reasons why.
First, the cost - five figures for a simple speed bump - we must have strong evidence to show that any changes will be value for money. Second, we must negotiate the complex web of rules and regulations to make sure any changes are safe; even relocating a road sign needs careful thought. Third, Buckinghamshire Council is not funding new 20 mph zones but perhaps this policy will change in the future. Fourth, there have to be formal consultation exercises for some changes. Last but not least, we must respect the environment of our beautiful village.
Photo for illustrative purposes; we don’t know exactly how our SIDs will look.
Given these constraints, where do we start? The first thing the Parish Council needs is evidence - and this is partially why we’ve chosen to take part in an initiative co-funded by the Haddenham & Waddesden Community Board (a network of local councils) to bid for two new Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs). These devices will be rotated between posts installed on our access roads, the siting of which is, needless to say, subject to certain regulations, such as having to be inside the 30 mph zone. Luckily, we have a Bucks Council Highways expert to guide us through the intricacies.
If the Community Board initiative is successful, we should have the SIDs up and running before the end of the year. As well as reminding motorists to stay within the speed limit, they will log the speed of vehicles entering the village so we can build up a database of evidence to use to support future bids for funding for additional traffic calming measures. This information will supplement the data collected by the SID operated by our parish council predecessors until late 2020.
In the meantime, we have to replace the village sign on Tramhill because this has been vandalised (the police were informed). Buckinghamshire HIghways will supply a new sign but we need to choose the design. Do we go for plain and simple - or informative and colourful? We’ll be asking your opinion throughout September, on Facebook, in our e-newsletter and face-to-face at the Community Market. It’s not a safety issue but it is a great way of marking out Brill as a special place.
PS Using this blog: Click ‘comment’ immediately below the post to open the text box and then type away (or it may already be open; scroll down). When asked to give your details, just put your name and click ‘comment as guest’. Don’t use the Parish Council contact form - unless you want to send a private message.