Members of the Traffic Group met on 4th October with B&NES, Councillor Deacon and members of the Parish Council at a meeting hastily convened by the Council to discuss the recent traffic count in North Road.

Statistics obtained from the count showed that traffic passed over a 24 hour period at a mean average speed of just under 20 mph and B&NES have concluded from this that there are no speeding issues to be addressed and no necessity for a reduction in the speed limit.

This comes despite the experiences of pedestrians and the findings of the Village Plan that 80% of those who responded – and including St Mary’s primary school – wish to see a 20mph speed limit across the village.The Council continue to ignore the fact that Timsbury people are entitled to proper pavements, to see their children being able to cycle or walk safely to school –and to feel safe on their own village roads.It is appalling that B&NES have resorted to relying on statistics to dismiss their obligations to recognise and address the concerns of the residents.

By ignoring those concerns the Council reveal a wilful disregard of the views of the villagers who wish to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children. B&NES have effectively written off the needs of the people they are there to serve and it must now be for the village to seek their own innovative and fresh remedies to solve the problems of Timsbury’s traffic and to present these to the Council.

As an initial step the Parish Council have been asked to approach both shops in North Road to request that they re-schedule delivery times so they do not coincide with school travel hours thereby reducing congestion in North Road at peak times.A request has also been made to the Parish Council that the subject of road safety is put on the Agenda for their November meeting and it is hoped they will view this in a positive light.

The Traffic Group is attracting many more people now – but more are needed – and new ideas are welcomed. If you have any comments or suggestions please email amanda.cranston@yahoo.co.uk or write to the Timsbury Letter.The Group would particularly like to hear from anyone who has been involved in any traffic-related incident or accident in North Road.

Report by Amanda Cranston