A56 road safety victory

A LONG-running campaign for improved road safety measures on a busy stretch of the A56 has finally won the support of Warrington traffic chiefs.
Double yellow lines will be introduced at the junction of Booths Hill Road and Highfield Road, Lymm – following a public debate lasting some three years.
The borough council’s traffic committee reached the decision after listening to strong arguments from supporters and opponents of the scheme.
The measure is intended to remove parked cars on Booths Hill Road which obscure the view for drivers emerging from Highfield Road – particularly those turning right.
It was supported by most nearby residents.
But other residents, campaigning for reduced speed limits along the A56, opposed the plan on the grounds that vehicles parked on the main road act as a deterrent to speeding drivers.
Chris Wakefield, founder of an action group calling for lower speed limits, said the yellow lines could worsen the situation at the junction.
He said: “Removal of parked vehicles will give a clear acceleration land up to the 60mph speed limit a short distance to the west.
“This limit should be reduced to 40mph together with a proper village gateway where the limit changes.”
Coun Sheila Woodyatt (pictured) said she had been campaigning for improved road safety on the A56 for 10 years and welcomed the decision.
She acknowledged the concerns about speeding traffic but believed this was a separate issue.
In fact, speed limits were to be reduced along the A56 and she was grateful for the support of the A56 campaign group in this respect.
“I have been trying to get speed limit reductions along the A56 for years. But councillors can’t do everything and sometimes the support of a residents’ group can make the difference,” she said.