Resident’s fears for people’s safety as motorists ignore speed limit

A CONCERNED resident has voiced fears for children’s safety along Kenilworth Gardens and wants to see more done to enforce the 20mph speed limit,  saying that some are using the road as a racetrack.

The resident who contacted Melksham News said that the road is also being used as a cut-through for vans and lorries, and for anti-social behaviour.

The resident said, “I am utterly shocked many times at the speed that some vehicles do and it’s become tiresome to see that nothing is done to enforce the limit. There are lots of cars parked outside the houses but it doesn’t stop the speeding. Lots of families with little ones live here too and elderly people. A cat was killed recently down this road; if the car had been travelling at 20 I believe the poor cat would’ve stood a chance.

“Melksham’s finest “boy racers” use the road to test the exhaust pops and gear range. It is incredibly antisocial and stupid! On Forest Road, at the other end of town,  there is a 30mph limit and speed bumps. Why isn’t Kenilworth Gardens like this?

“The council need to look at the safety aspect of this and assess it carefully. Schoolchildren use this road too, but traffic does not consider the danger from speeding on this narrow residential road.

“Something needs to be done, but it doesn’t seem to ever be mentioned in council meetings or in local news. I can’t believe it’s a 20mph limit with no other restrictions. The police would hit their targets in a morning’s work!”

Melksham News approached Wiltshire Council for comment and a spokesperson said, “Last year we changed the speed limit on the estate to 20mph following concerns raised at Melksham Area Board.  An assessment commissioned by the community area transport group demonstrated that these roads met the criteria for a 20mph limit. The reduced limit is clearly marked by signs and road markings. We have carried out readings since the change was put in place and overall there has been a modest reduction in the speed of traffic driving through the estate.

“Enforcement action remains a matter for the police, however communities can set up their own Speed watch group to supplement any police action, to encourage motorists to slow down.

“We of course ask that people respect the speed limit in the estate and if we can be of any assistance to any concerned residents then we are happy to speak to them.”