Fakenham, UK - Action over speeding
http://www.fakenhamtimes.co.uk/conte...A08%3A31%3A640
24 August 2006
Thousands of people are putting their names to petitions in Fakenham calling for action to curb speeding motorists in the town centre before reckless driving claims someone's life.
Concern is growing that unless action is taken soon someone may be killed or seriously injured if they are struck by one of the vehicles travelling around the town centre at double the permitted speed limits.
Some vehicles are reported to be travelling at 60 or 70mph in 30mph limited areas.
As well as putting pedestrians' lives at risk, the motoring speedsters are also causing a noise nuisance with their often revved-up engines.
Now members of the town's Pub Watch have declared that “enough is enough” and it is now time for action to be taken.
They have drawn up petitions, which are at various outlets in the town, which have been signed by thousands of people who share the group's concerns.
The group hopes that the petitions will raise the profile of the problem and make it an issue for discussion with local influential bodies such as the police, town council and the chamber of trade.
Among the initiatives being considered are use of radar guns, traffic calming measures and speed cameras, but all ideas are being looked at.
“Members of the Pub Watch group are all concerned about the problem of speeding motorists and we believe that unless action is taken soon to deal with it someone will be killed or seriously injured,” said Vince Stewart, co-owner of the Bull pub on Bridge Street.
He says with the Bull pub being situated at the bottom end of Bridge Street he and his staff have daily experience of speeding motorists using Bridge Street, from the market place to the mini-roundabout, as a racetrack.
“We are not saying we have got the answers to this very real problem but we feel that through bringing the subject into the open for public discussion an answer may be found before it is too late,” said Mr Stewart.
His views are shared by fellow Pub Watch member, Liam O'Sullivan, of the Bistro Gallery in the market place.
“With the speeds some of these motorists are doing along Bridge Street and Olivet Way and White Horse Street it is only a matter of time before someone will be hit. Everyone shares the same feeling that something has to be done about the problem,” he said.
# What do you think about the problem and do you have any solutions? Write to the Times at 37 Bridge Street or e-mail julia.carter@archant.co.uk and tell us what you think.
