Speed limit plea on killer stretch of Parkgate Road

Feb 4 2009 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

A CAMPAIGNING councillor has persuaded Chester's highway chiefs to look again at speed limits on a killer red route road.

Puddington and District parish councillor Eddie Jenkins raised the issue at a meeting of the city's highways and transportation committee after consultants recommended there should be no changes to speed limits on the A540 Parkgate Road.

The decision arose from a review of all A and B roads in the county.

Cheshire County Council has disclosed the length of road between the Cheshire/Wirral boundary and Two Mills is one of the two routes in the county with the highest risks.

In a three year period, it has seen 59 collisions resulting in two fatalities and 100 casualties.

Red routes "potentially carry the highest risk to road users of suffering a serious or fatal crash," says the county council.

"Everyone who uses any of the red routes is potentially at risk and should take extra care," it adds.

Typically most of those involved in collisions on the A540 are aged 20 to 40 or over 60.

They come from the CH64 postcode area, are driving within the speed limit and are sober.

The most dangerous days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays between 7am and 7pm in February, October and November.

Area highway manager Colin Stredder reported that speed limits on the road outside the urban 30mph area have all been reduced as a result of previous reviews.

Although there were no proposals to alter any limits on the route as part of the countywide view, Mr Stredder said a number of speed management measures were being considered linked to the designation of the A540 as a red route.

Asking for a decision to note the position to be deferred, Cllr Jenkins backed his argument by presenting a 185 signature petition to committee chairman City Cllr Brian Crowe (Con, Mollington).

Cllr Jenkins collected the petition in just two visits to the well known Eureka cafe at Two Mills where cyclists congregate.

He told the committee that, as far as he was aware, parish councils on the route had not been informed that no changes were being put forward to the present speed limits.

"Part of the A540 is highlighted as one of the most dangerous roads in Cheshire," argued Cllr Jenkins.

He said there had been five fatalities in recent years and Puddington and District Parish Council believed that lower speed limits could be recommended.

"This is of particular concern to cyclists," suggested Cllr Jenkins.

He called for the report to be referred back for further detailed discussions with the appropriate parish councils.

The road at present runs through both Chester and Ellesmere Port and Neston.

With the new Cheshire West and Chester Council taking over on April 1, Cllr Crowe suggested:"It would be sensible for one council to consider the scheme rather than doing it piecemeal."

Broxton County Cllr Eveleigh Moore Dutton (Con), who at present is the highways and transportation portfolio holder at County Hall, suggested:"Any decision on the A540 should be deferred".

She was supported by County Cllr Peter Byrne (Lab, City) who said:"There are aspects of the A540 which need to be looked at again.

"The cafe at Two Mills is extensively used by cyclists and it is a very fast road."

He asked for more detailed information to be sought including the use of the road by cyclists and safety at the nearby crossroads.

Committee vice chairman County Cllr Sue Proctor (Lib Dem, Boughton Heath) commented:"The whole of the A540 should be looked at by the new authority."

Cllr Jenkins concluded:"The consultants are saying there is no need for change and the parish council believes there is ample need for change."

Mr Stredder gave an assurance that the outcome of the review would be taken up with the consultants.