Traffic Poll Comments received

Following on from the 2021 Traffic Poll responses received, we have listed below the comments from the Heath and Reach residents. There were 3 that we are unable to publish as they contained personally identifiable information. These are laid out in no particular order, ther than the order in which they were received.
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Woburn Road is a death trap and it will only be a matter of time before there is a tragic accident if no measures are put in place. 

Unless you are a resident of the village no one adheres to the 30mph speed limit, (which should be a 20mph btw).  In fact most people are speeding in excess of 45mph to 50mph.

Please do all you can to make the road safe as I am sure no one would want the death of someone on their conscience.

Thanks
We need single lane entry/exit to the village on Leighton Road, Woburn Road, and Old Linslade Road, with priority given to those leaving our village
There has clearly been a significant increase in traffic through the village and cars are frequently speeding. It is a matter of time before someone is injured or killed. The only answer is effective traffic management – either pinchpoints or speed cameras which issue tickets. More development will eventually turn Leighton road into a rat run like the A41 through Waddesdon. The Parish Council has done an excellent job in raising the issue; it is now down to Central Beds and the police to actually do something.
Probably because I don’t live beside the main road I haven’t personally observed any serious speeding incidents in recent times. I am not saying they don’t happen, and of course you are right to  try to prevent speeding. My main opinion is that the appallingly-heavy volume of traffic through Heath and Reach is the only thing that spoils this village somewhat. Because many hundreds of further new homes are set to be built in Leighton this can only add to the traffic and make it even worse. The extra population in Leighton has resulted in traffic volumes through the town now like they were before the Leighton By-pass was built 20-odd years ago. There is no possibility of building a Heath by-pass and nowhere for it to go, so if our planners, in their wisdom, decide that we must have even more traffic on our roads, then I would support your attempts to at least make all drivers behave legally, safely and responsibly. Needless-to-say, I think any weight restrictions would have to take into account double-decker buses, furniture removals lorries for people moving home, approved planning conditions concerning lorries going to and from the sandpits etc. Good luck with your efforts.
I have to walk along Woburn Road in the morning to take my child to school and, to be honest, I am terrified most mornings.  The extra volume of traffic since the closure of Vandyke Rd and the speed of the vehicles makes crossing the road a very unpleasant experience. We literally have to run across the road and I am extremely worried about the speed that vehicles are doing when taking the bend from Birds Hill into Woburn Rd. I keep expecting a vehicles to come up onto the path and plough into us
The speed bumps aren’t enough, people speed up past the church, round the corner, past evans yard and then only think about slowing down for the speed bumps but then speed up straight away again. People also start to speed up as soon as they’ve gone down the hill, past the shop and once they’ve gone round the corner and turning for Linslade road. It’s like they think they’ve already hit the 40 limit leading out of the village. I’m not sure what would be the best to tackle the main areas of high speed.
the existing ramps are ineffective
The speed bump near Heath Green is worse than useless, as lorries don’t slow down and therefore go over it with a bang and clatter. It needs to be higher and more visible ie. better road markings or preferably a chicane as in Vandyke Road – a quieter alternative and far more effective. Perhaps there ought to be ones at the start and end of the village too.
Traffic through the village really isn’t a problem and certainly no greater volume than at any other recent time.
Monet spent on CCTV coverage to prevent fly tipping would be a far better use of public funds. 
There is not only the speed and traffic increases, but also tge pedestrian crossing at Coop is very very dangerous and ideally it should have traffic lights as sometimes, even with children, you cross the street and the car coming from opposite side doesn’t stop, not to mention that sometimes you have to wait even few minutes until all cars are going as none are stopping for you to cross 
I would support any traffic calming measures deemed to be the most effective at reducing driver speed. I’d also support a 20mph limit through the village. 
The volume and speed of traffic appears to be increasing this feels very unsafe when waking in the village- especially at peak times. 
We are witnessing daily speeds of 70mph + as well as overtaking tail gating, even racing especially as traffic leaves the village heading towards Woburn. I have seen one mobile police camera van in over 18 months – simply not good enough. The problem is getting worse and both male and female drivers are responsible – and drivers of all ages. Speed signs are completely ignored and current measures to slow traffic useless. 
The only speed restriction in the village is the road hump outside the Heath Inn Pub. There is far too much road from this point for drivers to  build up speed in both directions. The only available safe crossing for pedestrians is outside the CO-OP store. There are a considerable number of children that had to cross over Woburn road daily and both the speed of traffic and safe crossing points needs to be addressed. 
All routes into/ out of the village need including for the average speed cameras.
The heavy vehicles are a real concern. 
Massive increase in dump truck hgvs going in and out of the quarry as well. Speeding between H&R and the flying fox Round about. Have seen some speeding through the village too as well as cars. 
It absolutely feels like until there is a serious injury or fatality the speed will not between seriously in the village. We have children walking to school everyday and it is lethal, the village is used as a rat run and everyone knows there are no speed controls so don’t even consider doing the speed limit. 
Particularly dangerous at foot of Thomas Street, where many school children have to cross to get to school.  The stretch where cars build up speed the most is between Banwell Place and the Heath Inn, in both directions.  
Will the residents be called upon to monitor traffic with speed guns again?  Did that help last time?
The existing speed humps need their white markings re doing

Please ensure the scheme that is proposed to reduce traffic and speed does not inconvenience the local residents like the last plan the Parish Council tried to introduce by removing double yellow lines in the village.

Thank you
The narrow pavements up Birds Hill makes it hazardous when traffic speeds through, especially from lorries and other large vehicles . I have seen some clip the kerb, very worrying with little children and dogs on leads . Extra housing will make our village a cut through to the A5 making it noisy and hazardous.
The 30mph speed limit is not working on Woburn Road, I think it would be a good idea to become a 20mph village. 
As an OAP I have done very little driving during lockdown so am not sure whether speeds have increased.  There is however a noticeable increase in heavy lorries using the main road often above the speed limit. One development I am not in favour of is the increased width of the pavements which I believe makes the road more dangerous especially as they are empty of pedestrians for most of the day.
I would welcome average speed cameras and also ANPR cameras to detect lorries going straight through LB and H&R.  Thanks to the Parish Council for trying their best to solve this problem.
Linslade Road is a speed run on some occasions. Have seen a few accidents due to speed and cars parked near the entrance to the Stile on the bend. 
Woburn Road is very bad for traffic in peak times and lorries thunder past. The noise is intrusive even with double glazed windows closed. I cannot sleep with a front window open. Traffic flows all night and increases from 4.30 am onwards into the rush hour. Lorries hit manholes and they rattle and bang over them. Also, if ever the road is resurfaced, noise reducing tarmac is essential. Thank you.
Eggington, Stanbridge and other local villages have been given extra measured including additional speed bumps and 20mph sections. Similar traffic calming measures are in place all over Bedfordshire and yet our village is used as a rat run and people are driving in access of 40mph I have also witnessed several near misses at the only two crossings in the village (co-op and linslade road) and several crashes within the village caused by speeding. More needs to be done.
Hi,  I have emailed several times to cbc as I walk along Woburn road with my children. It’s dangerous and scary for them being so close to fast moving lorries and cars. 
Cars speeding, Quarry trucks speeding through the village, never see Police enforcement
The traffic speeds up considerably as they exit the bend heading towards A5 along Woburn Road. The speed bump by the Heath Inn is in the wrong place it needs to be nearer to Chapel Flooring to slow the cars down exiting the bend
17th of September 7.5 Ton lorry was suddenly behind us going towards Leighton Buzzard. We were concerned that if we slowed down or braked said lorry would do damage to our car and us.  It appears some days as though Silverstone has been moved  into our village.  
Lower the speed limit to 20mph and have cameras at each entrance to the village?
Average speed cameras won’t stop the speeds and dangerous over taking, we need calming measures. 
Speed bumps would be a start down Linslade Road, particularly from Thrift Road down to The Stile. Cars fly down this road even during school drop off/pick up times when there are lots of kids walking. 
The additional problem to traffic volumes and speeds through the village is the increased volume of heavy lorries entering the quarries at the Reach end. Far to many creating noise dirt and extra pollution.
Neutral in the Parish Councils efforts as I’m not a member of FB so I don’t get to see what is being done. 
The increase of traffic and the speed it moves through the village is very noticeable that 30mph is not in their mind, with nothing to calm the speed it’s a dangerous place !
The idea of a series of cameras through the village to gauge an average speed sounds fantastic 
The noise, pollution, speed and volume of traffic has become a real problem!

Roads leading in to the village other than just the main route through also need considering please- including Brickhill Road where despite there being a 40mph limit speeds are frequently & dangerously still nearer the old 60mph limit

Parking on pavements all round the village & on zig zags e.g by the Co-op, even when there are spaces is a common issue making it dangerous for pedestrians. Pedestrians are having to walk into 40-60mph traffic.

Parking behind the the phone box needs to be made available for all to use between the hours of say 8-7pm Mon- Sat- not just for local residents to use as additional parking
Would love you to take any measures that would make the village a safer and more pleasant place to be-Im sure you’re all acutely aware of the danger of the speeding traffic and the disturbance caused by hgvs 
Camera or traffic calming not both in my experience the majority of drivers are responsible only occasional transgressors are known …
There is aways reports of speeding hgvmovment some of them trucks are running sand from grovebury rd to garsides sand eastern way!!why haven’t they been looked at??should be on byepass and A5.people on pc have limited knowledge to local going on!!
Far too many lorries coming through the village at any time of the day. 
For houses like mine built in 1800’s on Woburn Road vibrate through the house, l have secondary double glazing which deadens the sound but not completely or, the vibrations from heavy vehicles.
I would say we are at full capacity right now on the roads in the village with rushmere getting more popular , any new houses would be a disaster
Trying to cross on the zebra crossing is nightmare twice nearly got knocked over we need a speed camera’s both ends of the village, accident waiting to happen 
The village is now a rat run for the surrounding areas, Rushmere and route into LB to new housing estates. The volume of traffic is horrendous and disregard for the speed limit makes living here unsafe. I would welcome any additional measures to reduce the volume, noise, and increase safety for residents. 
Speed cameras would be a good idea coming into the village on Leighton road and out
Please do not introduce any speed bumps or similar. 
Lorries , vans and cars are still parking on the crossing while popping into the coop and parking on pavements around the village which make it very unsafe especially if like myself have an eye impediment.
I have lived in the village over 20 years & have seen the amount of traffic increase considerably. On some days it is almost impossible to cross Woburn Rd with the amount & speed of traffic.
Rushmere has an effect on the extra traffic coming through the village also causing problems / accidents with non residents parking outside residents properties which causes traffic issues 
This is getting so dangerous as a small village with lots of young children it’s potentially going to take a severe accident before anything changes and the speeding matters are taken seriously.
The traffic calming “hump” on the way out of the village by the Heath Inn has little effect with a lot of motorists completely ignoring it! Some obviously see it as challenge and speed up to “take off” on it! Combine this with the amount of heavy goods vehicles that travel through the village, and in my view, the majority of motorists that completely ignore the 30 mph speed limit, means that this once a quiet village is now a traffic nightmare!
A 20mph speed limit would be a welcome solution to limit the speed and reduce noise of traffic through the village, possibly alongside average or fixed speed cameras. Has consideration been given to a speed reduction? 
I am scared to walk my two boys to school on the main road because of how fast the cars drive. It starts at 5am and goes on till 11pm. It is not ok. We want to feel safe and people to respect our neighbourhood.

The speed ‘face’ as you come in from LB to the village never seems to work anymore. Not sure how effective these are but it would be something.

The speed bump outside of 5 Leighton Road/The Dukes is not steep enough/ effective enough as cars plough on through this like it doesn’t even exist. 
The speed ramp outside the Dukes has little effect on traffic control. There is no evidence of slowing traffic. There appears to be more parking on zig zag lines by zebra crossing, outside the Co-Op,This makes it very scary to try and cross. Not safe for children and pushchair/wheelchair users.
The motor bikes and souped up cars are the biggest problem. They accelerate and decelerate quickly so might not be picked up by cameras. They also make excessive noise which must be above the limits
Even crossing using the zebra there are times when traffic comes down the hill so fast I feel unsafe . This is exacerbated by illegal parking around the crossing.
Old Linslade route isn’t fit for purpose and has so much more traffic than it once did-used as a cut through from the Flying Fox and Rushmere expanding has had a knock on. The new houses and warehouses off of Kelley’s kitchen mean more congestion on the bypass leading to more kk cars through the village. A chicane similar to those in Totternhoe would discourage short cuts too
Would it be possible to look into getting the Zebra Crossing on Birds Hill repainted / Better signage. On one of the many times I’ve almost been mown down here it’s been shouted at me they didn’t see the crossing. 
The Parish Council of Heath & Reach do a fantastic job representing the residents of Heath & Reach. The same cannot be said for the local council / government and their lack of traffic calming measures and questionable planning / consideration for increased traffic through the village caused from new nearby housing estates. Cars speed along the roadway outside our house, even with a blind bend in the road. It is extremely dangerous. 
Thanks for your hard work!
I find it is less about speed now then it is about volume. I live on Birds Hill and the amount of traffic has increased hugely over the last few years. It’s no longer nice to live on this road anymore. You are assaulted with noise and a constant stream of traffic especially in the morning and evening. Also the HGV’s are back! The developments over the years in LB have impacted this village negatively with the traffic. I’m not a nimby as I believe housing is needed as a priority but it should come with the right infrastructure and that includes roadways. 
I no longer drive but do walk and need to cross the roads safely. 
I live on Heath road and I feel from the lights at the new development all the way up Heath road to Heath and reach would benefit from this it’s ridiculous the speed of some cars and judging from the two accidents on or near to Heath road recently it’s only a matter of time before there’s a fatal accident 
In the 14 years I have lived here, the volume of traffic has definitely increased and I am sure it’s due to the additional housing developments. Please make the village a safer and quieter place to live.  

I live on the main route through the village. It’s a hill, the soil is sandy and our house very old. The traffic thundering through at speed, HGV’s, traffic flying over the crossing through the day and noisily through the night is increasing. Traffic doesn’t always stop at the crossing and parking along the hill has increased with fewer spaces available as some were removed for the crossing. Vehicles park in the zigzag and crossing. More traffic will just increase the chances of this happening and add to the frequency and severity.

In 2001 a member of my family was hit by a car on Woburn Road heading out to the A5. They were only 13 years old at the time. In a coma for two weeks the doctors were amazed they survived. I have lived here for 43 years and the road is busier and faster than it has ever been. Any member of CBC who is against speed cameras has obviously never spent two weeks by the bed of a loved not knowing if they would live or die.