Safer Routes In The Community Consultation, Shotton, Flintshire
Flintshire County Council is seeking views on a number of Welsh Government funded highway schemes in Shotton.
In recent years, Flintshire County Council has received a number of concerns from residents and local members regarding both increasing levels of congestion and speed of traffic in the vicinity of both Ysgol Ty Fynnon and Ysgol Croes Atti. Particular concern was raised in relation to motorists ignoring the advisory speed limit of 20 mph in the immediate vicinity of the schools with many residents concerned for the safety of the children who use this route on a daily basis.
Many of the problems identified along the routes related to high levels of vehicle usage and associated congestion both in the immediate area of the schools and along a number of access routes to the school.
Flintshire County Council has been successful in obtaining funding from Welsh Government’s Safe Routes in the Community initiative, to address road safety concerns and congestion for the surrounding residential areas and for the benefit of the community, and children attending both schools.
The scheme will include mandatory 20mph speed limits, traffic calming, parking restrictions in the residential areas and the upgrading of existing footpaths and bridle path connecting communities together.
Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Countryside, Councillor Carolyn Thomas, said, “Creating a safer walking and cycling environment for the journey to school is key to encouraging children, either alone or accompanied by an adult to walk to school. With average distances for school journeys increasing, busier lifestyles and fears over safety, the number of 5-16 year olds travelling to school by car has doubled since 1985. By creating safer active routes to schools, we have a great opportunity to reverse this current trend.”
Due to the existing traffic volumes on Flintshire’s road network, the Council needs to develop attractive and alternative modes of transport, as well as improving bus and car journey times. The daily congestion which affects Shotton High Street shows the need to address the issues faced daily by commuters, residents and businesses.
In addition to the journey time savings proposals, the Council has taken this opportunity to consult on cycling measures, due to numerous complaints relating to near misses with cyclists on the footway and following the recent increase in cycling.
Councillor Thomas continued, “Improved bus and car journey times along Shotton High Street will have significant benefits for residents and businesses affected by the daily congestion issues. We are keen to hear your thoughts on the journey time savings proposals, and would also welcome feedback on potential cycling measures along this section.”
Proposals for both schemes can be viewed on the Flintshire County Council website where any comments can be raised on Eforms. Those who don't have access to a computer can call to register their views on: 01352 701234.