THE Standard has received a flood of emails in response to the launch of its campaign to reduce the speed limit on a stretch of road on Spratsgate Lane, near Cirencester following the death of Waterland Outdoor Pursuits sailing instructor, Robert Hoy. A couple of them are included on this page. For more letters on this subject please see this week’s Standard.

I WOULD like to echo the thoughts of Pete and his colleagues at Waterland regarding the road safety issues along Spratsgate Lane (and surrounding areas) in the Cotswold Water Park.

No-one should have to lose their life in order for issues such as these to be highlighted, but to not raise this issue now would be foolish to say the least.

Having worked in the Cotswold Water Park for seven years, and initially having been based on Spratsgate Lane at Keynes Country Park (now Cotswold Country Park & Beach), I have witnessed innumerable instances of excess speed, dangerous parking and reckless driving along this stretch of the public highway. That said; even driving within the current national speed limit on this road is simply too fast, especially considering the leisure use and presence of children and families at the adjacent lakes, as well as those trying to navigate around the wider CWP on bicycles.

Why the speed limit has not been reduced before now is unfathomable.

I suspect that the solution of reducing the speed limit will not solve the problem in its entirety, as such a move relies on regular enforcement, so I would like to see a more robust approach to traffic calming alongside a reduction to 30mph from the junction with the Spine Road (B4696) all the way north to the turning into Somerford Keynes. I would also suggest some sort of physical barrier along the road verges be installed (such as bollards), to stop people parking dangerously (and illegally) and reducing visibility.

I would also suggest that any proposals should be discussed with local stakeholders first. Pete and Jo at Waterland, and those operating other local businesses such as the Country Park and Go-by-Cycle, have many years of operation in this area, and have seen the issues first hand. We must ensure that no opportunities are missed and that local knowledge and experience is not overlooked.

BEN WELBOURN

Biodiversity & Estates Manager

Cotswold Water Park Trust

 

IN THE past I was the community police officer for the area and have also served in the local traffic management unit in Wiltshire police.

This road is used extensively by vehicles using the Waterland and the Cotswold Country Park with a high-rate of vehicles driving into and out of the entrances on a daily basis. Waterland is also used as the base for triathlons and other water related sports/past times and large amounts of pedestrians also use the area.

The speed limit for the lane, in my opinion, is too high taking account of the above and should be lowered to 40 mph prior to the country park entrance.

SIMON AKERS

PC 1308

Team 5/10 Response, Chippenham