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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Tory traffic policy puts speed before safety
April 2, 2011 11:32 AM
• [Apr01]: RICHMOND Council's new roadworks policy neglects road safety and the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, according to the Liberal Democrats. Conservative-run Richmond Council has voted to adopt a new policy on roadworks that puts higher traffic speeds ahead of road safety, the needs of pedestrians and cyclists and any concern about climate change.
Liberal Democrats have attacked the plans as a "speed merchants' charter" and said that pedestrians and cyclists will suffer from more dangerous road junctions. They have 'called-in' the decision for public debate at the next Environment scrutiny committee.
Cllr Stephen Knight, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition, said: "Safety for pedestrians and cyclists must come before the desire of drivers to put their foot down, especially in a built-up suburban area like Richmond upon Thames. Instead the Conservatives seem determined to adopt a speed merchants' charter with reckless disregard for the road safety of children and older people. This focus on increasing traffic speeds also does nothing to help the impact on climate change or encouraging us to walk or cycle."
Note: Liberal Democrat members of the Environment, Sustainability and Community Overview & Scrutiny Committee have 'called-in' the decision to the next committee meeting for debate on the following grounds:
- As regards traffic schemes the report does not have a coherent policy basis
- It conflicts with LDF Core Strategy policy CP5 Sustainable Transport
- It is inconsistent with the Council's Climate Change Strategy
- It does not set targets for reduction in personal injury accidents
- It appears to give higher priority to allowing smoother flow of vehicle than improving the ability of pedestrians (including pensioners) to cross roads safely and conveniently.
- It fails to give any priority to speed reduction schemes such as 20 mph zones.
- The views of immediate frontagers should not necessarily be determinant where schemes have wider benefits.
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