Stopping the “Rat Run” Foley Drive

At the Oldbury Town Committee held on 14^th November 2006, George Watkiss Chair of the Brandhall Tenants and Residents Association spoke on the continuing issue at the Meeting of the Oldbury Town Committee 16/01/07.

I reaffirmed that a raised pedestrian crossing and other traffic calming sped bumps need to be installed along Foley Drive before there is an accident caused by the speeding cars. The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods who was unable to attend the last Meeting,  was in agreement – certainly with the idea of the raised crossing! 

I also pointed out that when surveys were done by officers wearing bright flourescent jackets, it’s hardly any wonder that not many vehicle drivers choose to drive dangerously fast!

At the Oldbury Town Committee held on 14^th November 2006, George Watkiss Chair of the Brandhall Tenants and Residents Association spoke on the continuing issue about vehicles using Foley Drive as a ‘rat run’. This roadway runs between the doctors’ surgery and the new Coop store and offers a shortcut for vehicles to avoid one set of lights. In doing so it has become dangerous for people crossing this road.

Sandwell Highways Department have monitored the speed of vehicles using this short cut and their report indicates that most cars are not exceeding 30mph but as I pointed out, it only takes one speeding car to cause a serious accident! In my opinion cars should be restricted to 20mph along this short piece of roadway and some traffic calming such as a raised pedestrian crossing and speed humps would not only slow the traffic down but also provide a deterrent to vehicles using this short cut!

The Oldbury Town Chair responded to our comments and after a short discussion with Council Officers agreed that some funding should be made available to install some traffic calming along Foley Drive.

~ by oldwarleynews on January 16, 2007.