Pensioner calls for speed limit cut to 20mph through Backwell
A pensioner from Backwell is pressing for a reduction in the speed limit on a busy residential street in the village – claiming drivers have turned it into a dangerous rat run.
Retired butcher and meat inspector Edmund Goodland, 74, says the speed of traffic on Rodney Road has become unbearable and unless action is taken, fears a serious accident could happen.
Mr Goodland, who has lived at Rodney Road since 1980, says traffic along the residential street has got worse over the years as motorists use it as a rat run to avoid the traffic lights on the A370 to get to Station Road.
The road – which is mainly residential with a handful of shops – links through to Westfield Road and Moor Lane before joining Station Road near the railway station.
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Mr Goodland said although there was an advisory speed limit along the road of 30mph, he would like to see it reduced to 20 to make the area safer.
Mr Goodland said: “The road is used as a race track and it is particularly bad in the mornings and between 4pm-7pm. The speed of cars travelling along here is frightening and despite it being a 30mph limit, I have seen them racing along here in excess of 50mph.
“People use it as a rat run rather than waiting at the traffic lights on the A370. The situation has become worse over recent years but has been particularly bad of late because of the lights on the A370 and the recent problems with flooding which left the main road through the village blocked.
“There have already been a few accidents, but fortunately no one has been killed. But unless something is done to tackle the problem, there could be a very nasty accident.”
In the past residents who formed the Rodney Road Action Group have campaigned for sleeping policeman along the route to slow down traffic.
The group also held Speedwatch sessions in a bid to highlight the issues to drivers.
Mr Goodland said; “Essentially Rodney Road is a residential street and we have a lot of young families here. The problem has also got worse since the development of nearly 100 new homes at Moor Lane.
“I think a 20mph limit along here would be far safer.”
The issue of speeding along Rodney Road is due to be discussed by Backwell Parish Council.
North Somerset Council spokeswoman, Zoe Briffitt, said: “There are no plans for us to fund a 20mph limit in Rodney Rd, Backwell.
“There are 30mph repeater signs and a traffic regulation order was put in place for this limit. Therefore despite the lack of street lights, it is enforceable.”
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