Slow down! Melksham residents express concern about speeding

RESIDENTS of Melksham have expressed their concern about motorists in and around the town driving too fast and ignoring speed limits.

In response to a question posted on the Melksham News Facebook page asking readers if Melksham has a speeding problem, locals have highlighted a number of problem areas around the town, some already with 20mph limits in place.

Residents in the area of Kenilworth Gardens celebrated when a 20mph limit was introduced late last year, but nine months on, speeding is still an issue. Responding to the Melksham News Facebook post, local Keith Price said, “Kenilworth has a 20mph limit. Most drivers don’t know what that means as they still treat it like a rat run and with the amount of cars and vans parked, it’s not a good idea speeding.”

Ian Paterson added “We have had 20mph speed limits put in at Longford Road and Kenilworth Gardens area of Melksham. It hasn’t stopped the boy racers, some of them in their 30s. Lots of loud motor bikes speeding past all the time.”

Taking the opportunity to highlight a problem area Jill Hitch said, “Blackmore Road is a nightmare. Cars speed past stationary vehicles, particularly stationary buses; never a thought for children on their bikes.”

“Blackmore Road definitely needs something done,” agreed Mike Hayden.

“Blackmore Road needs speed control,” added Ben Crayford.

Locals also shared experiences of near-miss accidents. Clare Jones said “Last week I was coming down the road towards the town centre (from Sandridge) and a black car pulled out of Union Street too quickly. The driver lost control of his car, spun around and ended up on the wrong side of the road. Luckily nothing was coming down from town and the driver didn’t mount the pavement where a family with young kids were walking.”

Sharing her concerns Claire Humphries Harrall said, “Lived on Sandridge Road for over 25 years. People come bombing round the corner leading out of town and plough into the back of you! Even better is when they come into town from Sandridge Hill and think the two mini roundabouts are for decoration and speed across!”

In response to the question on Facebook Susan Hookway said, “Yes definitely, especially Snowberry Lane for me.

“For me it’s the lorries which go down the lane early about 5am onwards and throughout the day as well as cars… I think speed signs need to go up.”

Highlighting that speeding is already a known problem in that area, Deputy Mayor of Melksham, cllr Jon Hubbard explained to Susan, “We have a speedwatch team who go out and measure speeds on Snowberry Lane regularly. Since we started the project a few years ago we have helped reduce speeds (not enough but it has helped).”

Some locals expressed that more should be done by the police. Local Terry Chivers said, “The problem is the police no longer enforce speed limits.”

Offering a solution Ken Land suggested, “Terry is right, but it’s on all roads even on the 20mph Forest Road. To make a start, a blanket 20mph on all roads in the town might help, other than speed cameras.”

Wiltshire Police commented, “If people are concerned about speeding, they can contact the council and request a Metrocount, or they can call 101 if they have specific concerns.”