Bid to solve road's speeding problem

A BID to install traffic calming measures on Burns Road began on Monday. District Councillors met with Police and Highways officials to try and find a solution to speeding problems that have dogged the area. Councillor Bill Davidson said: "We are trying to get in place some method of reducing the speed of traffic along this stretch of the road because of Roysia school." Herts police traffic management officer Guy McCallan said he has conducted a "covert traffic survey" on the road. This reveals the average speed of cars is above the 30mph speed limit. Mr McCallan said three accidents, in which injury have been caused, have been recorded on Burns Road in the last three years. However, he told councillors this was not enough to warrant police action. "We receive requests for traffic enforcement in many areas," he stressed. Councillor Fiona Hill said it was important that action was taken immediately. "It just seems ridiculous that we have to wait for an accident to happen rather than to trying to prevent accidents," she said. Adrian Redrup, a Herts Highways official, told the councillors: "It's all about funding," and said their focus had to be on areas where the problem is more extreme. The issue of safety on Burns Road was initially brought to light when a car smashed into railing just yards from Roysia school entrance in January. But Cllr Hill believes a solution to speeding in the area has been a long time in coming. "I feel strongly we should do something as a council, this isn't something that's just come about overnight," she said. Mr McCallan recommended the councillors contact the school to see if they could combat the problem using the school travel plan. A school travel plan is a package to improve safety around schools and reduce car use. It is consultation based and involves a partnership between the school, education and transport officers and the police and health authority.