TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT JUNCTION WITH A429

Posted on By Town Clerk

There have been many complaints about the timing and phasing of the lights which appear to be changing too quickly for drivers leaving the Town.  These complaints were passed on to Gloucestershire Highways who have looked at the problem and made changes but some drivers are still concerned that they are being ‘stranded’ as the lights change.

Highways tell us that the lights on the A429 do not change to green until all vehicles are clear of the junction.  The lights will only change to red when the road sensor picks up that there are no vehicles (within a certain time limit) but the lights will change sooner when there is only one vehicle, later if there are more.  This will have the effect that some vehicles will appear stranded between the white line and the turning.

The number of cars being let through (east and west directions) on green is a separate issue.  This will always vary as it is dependent on the flows on the main A429.  The more traffic there is on the A429 the less time there will be for traffic emerging from the minor road.  All times are sensor driven with the A429 taking priority.  It may sound complicated but is all designed to keep traffic moving.

Out on the road with pothole inspectors

Posted on By Town Clerk

A thorough inspection of Gloucestershire County Council’s roads is underway to determine what affect the severe weather has had.
The past two winters have caused major problems on the roads with the council repairing around 90,000 potholes in 2010 alone – more than the previous three years combined.
Following the bout of snow and freezing temperatures throughout December and early January, it is likely that the roads have suffered further damage.

Today, Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment, went out with one of the inspection teams to see for himself how the county’s 3,500 miles of roads have fared.
Initial reports show that while there is damage on the network, the scale of repairs is not as bad as last year.
Cllr Waddington said: “It’s no secret that snow and ice cause the roads to crack, which leads to potholes forming so I was keen to see for myself how this latest bad weather had affected us.
“We know there are still some problem areas and we’re working hard to address that – but in actual fact, at first glance, the situation seems better this time round.
“We repaired an unprecedented amount of potholes last year and we carried out a lot of work to seal the roads against bad weather and this has helped prepare the roads for this winter.
“Within the next couple of weeks, the full inspection should be complete and we’ll have a clear picture of the task facing us in 2011.
“Whatever we find, please be assured that we are taking action and that we will do all we can to repair Gloucestershire’s roads.
“However, as we all know, money is tight so we will continue to prioritise what we do.”

The inspection team will start by checking the main road network, before moving onto major towns, then to urban and rural areas.
As problems are found, they will be reported and the most severely damaged will be repaired first.

Anyone who spots a pothole can report it to Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514514 or online at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/pothole.

Council scraps street closure fee for Royal wedding

Posted on By Town Clerk

Gloucestershire County Council has decided to waive the cost of applying for a road closure for people who want to celebrate the Royal wedding.
Across the UK, people will be holding street parties on April 29th when Prince Williams weds his long-term fiancée Kate Middleton.

This means that roads will need to be closed to traffic for safety reasons.
In Gloucestershire, it normally costs £70 to apply to Gloucestershire County Council for a road closure.
But to ensure that people are not put off from hosting their own celebrations within their communities, the council has decided to waive this fee as a one-off gesture.

Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment, said: “This is a truly special occasion and one that most people want to celebrate.
“Street parties used to be a regular occurrence years ago – I remember VE day when the whole street was out celebrating, it was wonderful.
“Occasions like this are great for building community spirit so we’ve made this gesture to ensure everyone in Gloucestershire can get out and celebrate with their friends and neighbours if they want to.”
Although the fee has been dropped, Gloucestershire County Council still needs the normal 12 weeks notice if a road closure is requested in order to sort out signage and diversions for traffic.
While the council will endeavour to approve all applications, if a request comes in for a main road such as the A38 or A46, this may not be possible.

Lawrence Elcocks, the council’s Network and Traffic Manager, said: “We understand that people may want to hold street parties, and on the whole any applications we receive will be approved.
“But it is important that people are sensible about the locations they choose.
“In areas where the only road is a busy road, then to avoid disappointment if we cannot allow the closure to go ahead I’d ask people to look at whether they can hold a party in a community hall or nearby community area instead.

To apply for a road closure, email highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk, or call 08000 514 514 or write to Gloucestershire Highways, Imperial Gate Business Park, Corinium Avenue, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3BW.