Traffic-calming measures approved for two roads in Preston

The traffic-calming measures will be implemented on Hoyles Lane and a short stretch of Sandy Lane in Cottam.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet gave the green light to the changes as part of a plan to deter motorists from using the routes as a rat-run.

Members heard that the two roads are often used by vehicles travelling between Lea Lane and Tom Benson Way – in spite of the fact that Cottam Way is intended to be the primary connection between them.

However, that route already has traffic-calming in place, encouraging drivers to take to Hoyles Lane as an alternative.

Nineteen pairs of speed bumps will now be installed along Hoyles Lane and a short section of Sandy Lane outside Cottam Nursery School - and the speed limit in the area reduced from 30mph to 20mph.

“There’s been a lot of development in that area and we’re trying to get traffic to go on Cottam Way, which is a new road – but [motorists] will obviously try and take a short cut,” explained cabinet member for highways, Keith Iddon.

“We’re reinforcing [the desired route] by putting traffic-calming in to make it safe for the residents.”

Referring to the reduced speed limit, council leader Geoff Driver added: “Twenty’s plenty.”

The works will be funded by contributions secured from planning agreements with developers building in the area and is expected to be completed in June.

A public consultation was carried out late last year which attracted 26 responses – 19 of which were in favour and seven against.

Amongst opposition to the measures were complaints that the speed bumps were too numerous, would cause damage to vehicles and risked making it difficult for some residents to negotiate their own driveways because of their proposed location.

Highways officers responded that Department for Transport [DfT] regulations set out the minimum distances between speed cushions which the county council has to abide by.

Papers presented to cabinet also stated: “Vehicles travelling over road humps at appropriate speeds should not suffer damage, provided the humps conform to Highways (Road Hump) Regulations.

“In addition, the [DfT] references a study which indicates that accelerated wear is not a significant concern for vehicles which travel repeatedly over road humps.”