Is traffic calming on the way?

I am pleased to see the use of hand-held radar speed cameras as the first line of defence for local community speed watch groups. These groups are vital in obtaining the initial statistics to show councils that issues exist.

The only issue I would raise is “participation” in carrying out these roadside sessions. To my knowledge you need at least three people to conduct it, thus it is labour intensive.

The common issue experienced is “most people thought hand-held cameras were a good idea if someone else was doing the work for them!”, as they were very busy themselves.

I would like to thank the police for providing these hand-held speed cameras. However, with friends in neighbouring villages under HDC, who have several years of experience of enforcing speed restrictions, it soon became obvious that their biggest bugbear was not having the freedom of their own set of speed guns/cameras.

I hope therefore that residents of Chatteris are not sharing sets of speed guns/cameras between London Road, New Road, Wenny Road and Doddington Road.

I say this as the neighbouring villages’ own practical experience noted that during the absence of 24/7 speed guns there was a 25% increase in speeding until they used the guns again several weeks later. In fact, despite the initial success of the hand-held speed guns, they have noticed a progressive increase in speed overall.

Ramsey is now securing £20,000 in funding to introduce Stage 2 physical road obstructions in some villages to cause vehicles to stop and give way or slow down.

Interestingly Ramsey Mereside have noticed the most progressive increase in excessive speed overall, regardless of all the hi-visibility road signs and hand-held speed guns. Clearly as it is a sparsely populated village spread out along the road, most drivers are prepared to take the risk without any fixed speed cameras that issue fines and points on your licence.

In anticipation of the lack of participation in speed watch, I have contacted Cambs County Council and registered an application for traffic calming measures along Doddington Road, Chatteris. I would also like to say thank you to Amy Carney and Chatteris Town Council for raising the issue of traffic calming measures at their latest meeting.

I also understand there is a £10,000 funding grant available for implementing such measures, unfortunately as always residents will have to make a contribution – 10%.

I can confirm Chatteris Town Council has approved “reducing the speed limit” along Doddington Road from 40mph to 30mph and a 30mph flashing neon sign at the end of Curf Terrace to slow drivers down when entering Chatteris.

Chatteris Town Council has also approved the installation of a light controlled pedestrian crossing across Fenland Way between the Green Welly Motel and the Apple garage to provide a safer crossing point for schoolchildren, as well as members of the public. This could either be a pelican or zebra-type crossing.

We shall now steadily move forward step-by-step and hopefully these traffic calming measures will be installed in the near future.

Mark Burton,

Chatteris.

labour party

Inspire the young to join

I feel that young people should feel inspired to join the Labour Party.

The party is now going in a new direction, and I believe that it is crucial that young people help us in that journey.

Young people DO have a voice which Labour WILL listen to. Young people can help shape the future of the Labour Party by getting actively involved, by coming to meetings and helping with campaigns.

I like to use Owen Jones as an example.

He is an inspiring, passionate young man who has worked really hard with the Labour Party.

He joined the Labour Party at a very young age, and has helped shape Labour today. This is what other young people can do.

I am organising a social event on April 21 at The Cobblestones in March.

This is open to young members of North East Cambs Labour Party, but is also a great opportunity to meet other young people who might like to join the Labour Party.

Steve Nicholson,

Youth Officer,

North East Cambs Labour Party.

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