Residents beleaguered by speeding cars using their neighbourhood as a rat run have launched a petition asking the council to install speed reduction measures.
Members of the Abbeyfields Residents’ Facebook Page have submitted a petition to Bedford Borough Council asking for them to investigate and implement speed-reducing measures following what they describe as “a marked increase in the number of vehicles speeding along the section of the road that adjoins Meadowsweet Drive.”
The petition can be signed here.
The speed of vehicles has been an increasing concern for residents despite the work of a local Speedwatch Group and the introduction of speed monitoring signs.
“We have noticed that the number of vehicles driving above the 30mph sped limit seems to have increased since the introduction of the average speed cameras on Mile Road,” said group spokesperson, Emma Thomas.
“The speed monitoring signs also appear to encourage a small minority of mostly young male drivers to increase their speed to observe the recorded speed on the signs; with one resident observing a speed of just under 70mph recently.”
Residents believe there is a real danger of someone being seriously hurt or even killed and said that the noise late at night is also causing a disturbance.
“This coupled with the noise from vehicles on the A421, particularly loud motorcycles and cars with after-market exhausts has left those living there sandwiched between two busy noisy roads with little respite,” said Emma.
Abbefyfields councillors, Andrea Spice and Marc Frost (Conservative) confirmed that the area is being considered for the imoplemention of average speed cameras.
“Average speed cameras are extremely effective but also very expensive at about £85,000 for each pair,” said Cllr Spice.
“The council receives no contribution from any of the fines associated with these enforcement devices.”
Cllr Marc Frost, added, “As more sites are introduced, this cost places an increasing burden on council resources, with ongoing revenue costs of £3,000 -£5,000 per annum per site.
“We understand residents’ wishes to have these devices installed but recognise there is a long waiting list.
“We are very fortunate in Bedford Borough to have access to such technology which is not available elsewhere in the UK on residential roads.”
