In a meeting held by Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, two petitions were discussed regarding traffic and pedestrian safety in Hawley. The first petition requested a pelican crossing on Meath Green Lane, and the second concerned traffic calming measures for Lee Street, Horley Row and Mill Lane. The responses to both petitions were noted, with suggestions for further action and collaboration with local councillors and police.

Traffic Calming Measures for Lee Street, Horley Row, and Mill Lane

The petition requesting traffic calming measures for Lee Street, Horley Row, and Mill Lane was noted, with the council suggesting collaboration with Councillor Andy Lynch and police speed enforcement. The petition, signed by 210 residents, highlighted concerns about heavy traffic and speeding on the residential road.

Councillor Steve Watson, a Hawley Town Councillor and Rygate-Bansett Borough Councillor for Hawley West, explained that Lee Street acts as a cut-through between the A217 and A23, leading to high traffic volumes and speeding. He noted that a 2024 speed survey indicated average speeds exceeding 30 mph, with some vehicles recorded at over 90 mph.

The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth acknowledged these concerns, but noted that the average speed of traffic shows general compliance with the current 30mph speed limit. The council's response to the petition stated that while concerns were noted, there are no current plans to install new engineering measures. Instead, the council will coordinate with the police to prioritise the area for focused traffic speed enforcement. They also suggested that the town council consider setting up a community speed watch.

The response also referenced the council's Setting Local Speed Limits policy, which states that a 30mph speed limit is appropriate where average mean speeds are 35mph or lower. The response also noted the challenges of installing traffic calming measures due to the need to retain access to properties and maintain the bus route.

Pelican Crossing for Meath Green Lane

The petition requesting a pelican crossing on Meath Green Lane outside the junior school was noted, with the council stating that current measures are appropriate but concerns have been noted for future consideration. The petition, signed by 611 people, raised concerns about the safety of children crossing the road, particularly with parked cars obscuring sight lines and frequent lack of adherence to the 20 mph speed limit.

Councillor Steve Watson highlighted the dangers faced by children crossing Meath Green Lane to reach the junior school, especially during periods without a lollipop person¹.

Zena Currie, the Highway Engagement and Commissioning Manager, stated that a traffic survey showed average speeds of 24.7 mph and 24.3 mph in either direction, suggesting that current measures are appropriate. She also mentioned that a school crossing patrol is currently in operation.

The council's response to the petition acknowledged a previous request for a pelican crossing and highlighted existing measures, including a 20mph speed limit and a school crossing patrol. The response also mentioned that the school has been offered the Feet First pedestrian training course and support with their School Travel Plan.

The council stated that there are significantly more requests for Integrated Transport schemes than can be delivered, and all requests are assessed against a range of criteria and prioritised. The local County Councillor may nominate a scheme to be considered for inclusion in the annual Countywide Integrated Transport Scheme (CITS) programme².

Holistic Traffic Review in Hawley

Councillor Steve Watson raised concerns about the design of Westville Park, a new estate with over 1,500 homes, which he believes funnels traffic in certain ways and contributes to the traffic issues on Lee Street and Meath Green Lane. He suggested a holistic review of traffic flow in the north of Hawley, considering roads, paths, and cycleways, to revitalise the town and alleviate residents' concerns.

Zena Currie mentioned the Hawley Master Plan and a placemaking scheme to rejuvenate the economic vibrancy of Hawley Town Centre, suggesting that traffic issues should be considered within this broader context.