Instead of a speed gun. Because at least the pensioner who got a driving ban for waving his placard around actually did succeed in slowing down the traffic
Headlining tonight's "Bolton"
Quote:
Pensioner declares war on village speeders
By Andy McFarlane
Denis Kirkman's crusade is highlighted on the front page of The Bolton News
A PENSIONER armed with a speed camera caught hundreds of motorists breaking the limit.
Denis Kirkman's hour-long survey revealed 85 per cent of drivers ignoring a 20mph limit through the quiet village of Chew Moor, near Lostock.
Mr Kirkman, aged 81, used professional speed monitoring equipment to clock drivers at a point 50 yards within the 20mph zone in St John's Road.
Out of 455 vehicles that passed, he noted 58 travelling at more than 45mph, with some going as fast as 55mph.
Using the loaned equipment, he caught a further 155 drivers speeding past at between 35 and 45mph, while another 175 were driving at 25 to 35mph.
Now his findings are to be discussed at a public meeting where police officers will address the villagers.
Mr Kirkman said: "The traffic we get is not servicing the village. It's just a rat-run from Westhoughton to Chorley New Road to bypass the A6, which is heavily congested.
"The speed humps we have don't do anything to slow the traffic, it's only when there are parked cars in the way that people slow down."
While there are chicanes at the Lostock end of the village, none were installed at the other entry to the 20mph zone, in St John's Road.
Mr Kirkman said Bolton Council's highways officials had told him safety measures such as speed cameras or a chicane would not be installed because no-one had been badly hurt on that part of the road.
"It's a ridiculous answer to say somebody has to be killed or seriously injured before action can be taken," he said.
But they have not .. and perhaps they do COAST it after all but I may agree to "not far enough" really
and perhaps it needs more development and nagging if they are pushing it a bit at times.
This next bit is why COAST should be the real buzz word. You know . ain't family bias but the Swiss and IG's Durham mob do seem to be spot on with COAST
as do ,.,.and I have to acknowledge it ... the Lancs/Staffs Speed Awareness course which also teaches COAST as the valued set of skills to work on.
There.. Lancs prats.. I do accept some things you know
I do not cut off my nose to spite my face even though I am a stubborn Yorkshireman and thus a bit of an awkward curse .. and an old fashioned bloke as far as chivalry and manners go
Quote:
"There's a playing field on the road and inevitably the footballs come over the hedge. I've seen a girl of about 12 fall off her bike as vans have passed her and she was obviously very frightened."
It is COAST skills and I will agree.. those drivers should have
snailed it in such a condition If you lurk on here - Mr K. - try to get the girl to do a Bikeability to help her rides and to keep her savvy and safe.
I can recommend. We did it with our kids. In this family - we lead by example and I cannot expect my kids to do something I am not prepared to do with them after all.
Quote:
Mr Kirkman fears traffic levels will increase as a result of Lostock Sports Club's planned move to Tempest Road as part of its merger with Ladybridge Sports and Leisure club.
Lostock Residents Group chairman Roy Walsmley said: "There's already a severe traffic problem in Chew Moor.
"It's a small, quiet village and is already used as a rat-run from Westhoughton to west Bolton.
"People don't take much notice of the 20mph speed limit and the chicanes at the Lostock end of the village certainly haven't solved the problem."
Inspector Mo Razaq, of Westhoughton Police, said: "Residents have some concerns about speeding and our community beat manager for the area has prepared a report on the issue."
Insp Razaq said the report had been forwarded to the force's traffic management section who will liaise with highways officials to discuss the prospect of traffic-calming measures.
A Bolton Council spokesman said: "The council has limited resources and these must be targeted at locations where the accident records are the most serious.
"However, we are happy to look into this matter and can arrange for speed monitoring to take place."
The public meeting takes place at The Shed, Tempest United FC, Tempest Road, on May 24 at 7pm.
OK .. so roaad users out there in that area.. be careful and vigilant in that area. Drive to COAST and condition and you should keep it safe
As for the old geezer... how's about a "slow down .. kids around sign"
Lot of drivers jump to attention at mere mention of a child. We all want a decent future and nice happy life for our young after all... and perhaps why we all shed bitter tears when a child vanishes or dies for any reason.. illness.. accident.. whatever. We all empathise as caring adults whether we are parents or singletons.
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