Rat runs rage

Many roads in Henleaze have become "rat runs" claim residents - and the problem has become even worse during the traffic disruption caused by the water main s work. One of the worst hit areas is claimed to be South Croft and West Broadway.

Maggie Clarke, who lives in The Crescent close to the junction of both roads, says: "It has been a problem for years but has been compounded by the water mains project". The closure of Wellington Hill West for many months has meant drivers detouring along West Broadway and South Croft creating rush hour log jams, she says.
 

"But we do not expect the problem to go away now that Wellington Hill West is re-opened she adds. She and other campaigners, including Mike Stephenson who lives in Harbury Road, say they will be continuing their fight to deal with the rat run drivers.

"My worry now is that those drivers who have cut through West Broadway because of the Wellington Hill West closure will now continue to use this route" says Maggie.
 

A West Broadway resident says the situation there shows no sign of abating". "It feels like we are now living on a main road and this coupled with the speed with which some vehicles travel is causing dangers for residents" they add.Others have expressed the view that a 20 mph limit might help - although it might not be taken notice of by the motorists who regularly travel at 40 mph.

Another resident describes a near miss head on collision outside her house with her 3 year old son who was nearly knocked over when a car used the pavement to get round other carsThe residents group are pushing for Neighbourhood Partnership funding for a survey which would analyse road usage, speeding and parking and decide if traffic calming measures are needed. They believe that a traffic restriction scheme, similar to the successful one now in place in Farrington Road and Cherington Road, should be introduced.