CALMING THE TRAFFIC IN COCHRANE PARK

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 26th Jul 2008

THANKS to residents who responded to our recent informal consultation in Cochrane Park to gauge feelings about speed calming.

Councillor Greg Stone explained: "On balance most people supported steps to reduce speed on residential streets to 20mph but were against speed bumps by about three to one.

"We are asking the highways department to draw up plans for a 'signs and lines' 20mph zone, and to look at feasibility of marking mini-roundabouts at some junctions, and to begin consultation."

This would potentially apply on the central part of the estate between the cemetery and Red Hall Drive, and on the streets east of Red Hall Drive.

We also need to examine ways of reducing speed on the "main" roads - Etherstone Avenue and Red Hall Drive, and to look at how crossings can be improved on the latter.

New electronic speed indicators are currently being installed on Heaton Rd, Newton Rd, and Chillingham Rd, and if successful we will look to introduce these on the roads mentioned above.