The Action Group for a Safer Shenley

Shenley Fete 2010

27th April 2010 - Hertsmere Highways Committee

On 27th April, 12 members of the Action Group attended the Civic Centre to hear the Highways Committee discuss the report that the Assistant District Manager of the Hertsmere Highways had prepared in response to the 800 signature Petition we presented back in October last year.

We were advised by the Assistant District Manager that we would not be able to read his report until after the Committee Meeting. This naturally made it almost impossible for us to raise any specific question. We were then told that we could have read this report 5 days earlier. I wonder why we were given false information in the first place.

However, Mark Blundell had sought, prior to the meeting and been given permission to speak. The attitude of the Chairman of the meeting was very much against our presence and against any of us speaking. Indeed initially he refused Mark permission to speak. He was eventually allowed to and anybody who would like a copy of what he said can request it by e-mail to
info@SaferShenley.wd7.org.uk

The report was long with many irrelevances but the conclusions were, at least, promising. Some of the recommendations are listed below:

1. The Speed of traffic in Black Lion Hill is at a level which requires further consideration. The Hertfordshire Highways Transport Programmes and Strategy Manager will be asked to consider whether a scheme would be appropriate.
2. The Committee was requested to fund a traffic / speed survey for all the main access roads into Shenley so that a comprehensive review of speed limits for the Shenley area is carried out
3. Further investigations will be carried out to see if a low cost traffic calming scheme can be introduced on Shenleybury. If such a scheme is funded then it would consist of improved traffic signing and road markings.
4. Confirmation that the 40mph limit would be extended as agreed nearly two years ago.

It was further confirmed that the 40 mph limit would definitely be extended before the end of May. A personal assurance of this was given by Mr M Goodyear, Assistant District Manager Hertfordshire Highways.

We will keep the pressure on to ensure that this long and tortuous process to make our roads safe for all to walk and drive on is brought to a satisfactory conclusion.

If you have any views or comments please let us know via the website: www.safershenley.wd7.org.uk

Pound Lane

There is a petition asking for Pound Lane to be made one way. We have however received an objection to this which proposes a different solution to the problem In our view it is a better and probably cheaper and quicker solution. We will discuss this with Hertfordshire Highways as soon as we are able. Should anybody want to know what the alternative proposal is, please email: info@SaferShenley.wd7.org.uk

Our Progress So Far.....

Speed of traffic through our village and particularly on the main approach roads is resulting in more and more accidents and it is only a matter of time before somebody is killed. With close to 1,000 signatures already under its belt the group has been steadily working towards reducing the speed of traffic to a safer level on all the approach roads to and from the village. At the moment attention is being focussed on Shenleybury and Black Lion Hill but once improvements have been made in this area the group will immediately turn its attention to the other areas equally affected by the hazards caused by high speed traffic.

Despite the frustration of unfulfilled promises from Hertfordshire Highways, who almost 18 months ago, agreed to extend the 40 mph speed limit on Shenleybury to beyond the junction with Farm Close, the group refused to be discouraged and challenged the Highways and Transport department to carry out its promise without further delay and indeed the Executive Member for Highways & Transport, Hertfordshire County Council has just confirmed that this limit should be moved during the course of March. This is a significant success for our Group and is our first success in making Shenley safer for all

Further notable progress has been made. At the Parish Community Fair on 25th February, contact was made with Councillors who expressed their whole-hearted support of our cause and during our discussions with them we gained valuable insight into the workings of local government which we will use to good advantage. Two Parish Councillors have joined the group’s steering committee and with their help and guidance we are confident of a successful outcome. Encouraged by their support a firm plan of action has been formed for the coming weeks.

Keep an eye out for us on the streets where in various guises we will be collecting information on vehicle types, numbers and speeds. Coverage in the local press is being arranged and the group take this opportunity to thank everyone, concerned residents, schools, councillors and committee members for their help in its campaign for a safer Shenley.