Broader Impact
However you move around the area, whether you cycle, walk or drive, the Fox Lane LTN will affect you.
Below are just a few ways in which the LTN is already impacting on day-to-day life.
If you need the emergency services
The emergency services are taking longer to reach incidents, including blue light responses, because of these new road layouts. Residents have recorded videos and photos showing ambulances and fire engines unable to get through barriers, then turning round and finding an alternative, longer route.
Emergency vehicles are also being delayed on more congested roads. On some roads such as Green Lanes, drivers are unable to move out of the way because of the cycle lane wands.
If you are a parent with young children
For many parents with babies, toddlers or at primary school, a car is essential, especially if they are working, juggling childcare, school runs with the necessities of daily living, often without extended family support.
Many parents in the borough are not able to walk their children to school as it is too far; they have children at different schools and nurseries, but are being caught in tailbacks caused by the LTNs. School buses as well as other buses are being delayed.
If you have mobility problems or require carers
For many elderly or disabled people with limited mobility a car is a lifeline. Without it, their lives are much more restricted. LTNs are causing older people stress and greater difficulty in getting around their local area.
People who require support from community carers or family members are suffering when these vital visitors are being delayed, because their journeys are taking longer. It can mean that carers have less time to spend with patients. It has led to the cancellation of some care visits and delays in giving patients their medication and meals.
Residents who have the red button alert system may also be suffering as the companies involved in responding can no longer guarantee a swift response in an emergency.
Is the LTN adversely affecting you?
If you need a tradesman or deliveries
Online deliveries are essential for many households, especially during the pandemic. Deliveries, often timed for a specific period are taking longer.
The blocked off residential roads mean that large delivery lorries have to reverse back down the road to get out. This is also true for the Council’s own rubbish & recycling collection lorries.
Tradesman are essential to the smooth running of our homes and communities. They also need their vehicles to carry tools and equipment to visit their clients. Time is money and delays will have to be passed on to the customer in higher charges.
Local Businesses
Local businesses already hit by the pandemic are suffering further because of the congestion. The huge amount of traffic on the roads has numerous effects including:
- Delays in receiving supplies
- Difficulties in making deliveries to residents
- A downturn in trade as customers are avoiding the area because of the congestion
- The additional pollution is stopping people from eating and drinking outside the cafes and restaurants
Here what some of the local businesses In a business impact study of Aldermans Hill (will supply link for video interviews)
Unless urgent action is taken to reverse this schemes businesses WILL CLOSE and our area will be worse off for it.
Residents’ Photos
19/10/20 – Devonshire Road issues with new two way traffic system
19/10/20 – Devonshire Road issues with new two way traffic system
19/10/20 – Meadway Greenway junction no signage indicating no access to High Street
19/10/20 – Meadway Greenway junction no signage indicating no access to High Street
20/10/20 – The Mall and Selbourne blocked by barriers. Cyclists can’t get through
20/10/20 – The Mall and Selbourne blocked by barriers. Cyclists can’t get through
23/10/20 – Standstill traffic Aldermans Hill back to Derwent Road
23/10/20 – Standstill traffic Aldermans Hill back to Derwent Road
26/10/20 – Car parked at top end of The Mall causing obstruction
26/10/20 – Car parked at top end of The Mall causing obstruction
26/10/20 – Blue light ambulance unable to reach destination due to bollards and having to take lengthy diversion
26/10/20 – Blue light ambulance unable to reach destination due to bollards and having to take lengthy diversion
27/10/20 – Bollard deliberately glued in, should be left freestanding to allow emergency services to remove
27/10/20 – Bollard deliberately glued in, should be left freestanding to allow emergency services to remove
28/10/20 – Highly barricaded dead end on The Mall causing issues for emergency services
28/10/20 – Highly barricaded dead end on The Mall causing issues for emergency services
30/10/20 – Aldermans Hill to Ulleswater Road 2.07pm
30/10/20 – Aldermans Hill to Ulleswater Road 2.07pm
30/10/20 – Gridlocked traffic Cannon Hill towards Southgate 1.54pm
30/10/20 – Gridlocked traffic Cannon Hill towards Southgate 1.54pm
02/11/20 – Wynchgate trying to get onto Bourne 9.05am
02/11/20 – Wynchgate trying to get onto Bourne 9.05am
2020-11-02/11/20 – Bourne Hill to Fox Lane from Southgate Roundabout 2.35pm Hill to Fox Lane from Southgate Roundabout 2.35pm
02/11/20 – Bourne Hill to Fox Lane from Southgate Roundabout 2.35pm
03/11/20 – Bourne Hill past Fox Lane up to St George’s Rd 3.03pm
03/11/20 – Bourne Hill past Fox Lane up to St George’s Rd 3.03pm