Ramps on traffic-calming humps cause danger, damage and noise
I am writing as a resident of Rowton Road, but also on behalf of many other road users and pedestrians.
We are most concerned about the raised traffic-calming plateaus along the Oteley Road. I believe their height is suitable, but the entry/exit ramps to the plateaus are far too short. Currently the ramps are so short and harsh they are resulting in many problems even with the speed limit being reduced to 20mph:
1. Dangerous. The speed limit is signposted 20mph which is obviously not working (or being policed). In the current circumstances 20mph is not low enough, 10-15mph would be more fitting. Many ‘near misses’ have been witnessed on numerous occasions as vehicles slam on their brakes at the last minute and vehicles following only just manage to brake in time.
Locals who know this hazard slow right down. But, unaware faster drivers just whizz past, overtaking and hit the ‘wall’ of the ramp at speed, often on the wrong side of the road.
2. Damage. Damage to vehicles as they ‘hit’ the approach ramps, even at 20 mph, is costing vehicle owners money through no fault of their own. Vehicles hitting the ramps, even at 20 mph, could end up with potential MoT failure damage. This damage, unbeknown to the drivers, may lead to them inadvertently being a danger to other road users and pedestrians.
3. Ambulances. (and other emergency service vehicles): Pain or even damage to patients in ambulances (e.g. spinal injuries or broken limbs being especially susceptible to added pain/damage) – I have witnessed several ambulances with blue lights and sirens having to deal with these ridiculous road conditions.
4. Noise and disrupted sleep. It is time someone from the council/contractors came and spent a couple of hours outside our houses to appreciate the unjustifiable noise from lorries and trailers in particular ‘falling off’ the exit ramps at all times of the day and (to a lesser extent) night.
People working night shifts, e.g. nurses working 12.5 hour shifts in a responsible tiring job, are being adversely affected which in turn could put patient safety at risk.
Similarly, drivers who are shift workers will be losing necessary rest time but still have to drive their cars and lorries on our roads, thus potentially putting the public at risk – the list of onward health and safety risks goes on.
The ramps are far too short and need substantially longer and more gentle slopes, both onto and off the plateaus – as a layperson I would suggest 10-15 ft.
Fiona Davey, Shrewsbury
