Time for action against Thatcham accident blackspot, says councillor

Keith Woodhams (Lib Dem, Thatcham West), who has been leading the battle for speed limit implementation, says that action is what is needed and not more surveys as currently proposed.
West Berkshire Council has confirmed that a Speed Intervention Programme, to identify any speed issues, is to be undertaken at Bowling Green Road.
But Mr Woodhams said that Bowling Green Road was the only east / west road in Thatcham that did not have a fixed GATSO speed camera and said: "The area has a history of vehicles crashing into each other, demolishing lampposts and knocking over road signage etc.
"Ambulances have been called on occasions, included attending to a Ford KA that had rolled over after hitting the pedestrian central refuge outside the Regency Park Hotel.
"The occupants of the car had to be cut out.
"There is a very high risk to parents and children walking to school, residents crossing Bowling Green Road to the leisure centre, including those who work at the Regency Park Hotel and to people generally walking and cycling in the area."
He said that he had seen the difference a mobile speed camera had made when it had been used temporarily in the past and added: "We part fund a Road Safety Constable and therefore it should not be difficult to invite her to come to Bowling Green Road to carryout enforcement.
"We represent people and we need action; I'm tired of waiting year on year - I don't want surveys.
"We don't want to see someone get killed on that road because nobody has taken action.
"I don't want to hear about more surveys, I want action - we are demanding that.
"We are trying to stop someone loosing control and killing someone.
"What on earth is wrong with this council - no more surveys."
West Berkshire Council spokeswoman, Peta Stoddart-Crompton, confirmed: "The council's traffic and road safety team is already working on this.
"In mid May, it was agreed to include this location in the council’s Speed Intervention Programme (SIP) where surveys are undertaken to identify any speed issues.
"It is currently on the list for future implementation."