Highways officers look at road safety fears in village

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to reduce road traffic speeds in a Mid Cheshire village have inspired action from council chiefs.

But a community leader admits he believes there is only a 50-50 chance their demands will be met.

Byley Parish Council chairman John Beecroft has led calls to reduce the speed limit on the 60mph B5081, including presenting a petition of 400 signatures to council chiefs.

Since then, Vale Royal highways engineers have conducted traffic surveys to find out more about the speed and number of vehicles travelling on the road.

But Cllr Beecroft warned: 'We had a meeting with Highways officers and one of the first things they said was that this road does not qualify for a 40mph speed limit. However, they are studying the traffic in the area in an attempt to make sure that is the right decision, and they have promised to look at other criteria too. It's only 50-50 at present, but it does at least look like something will be done.'

Officers spent 90 minutes at the Moss Lane junction close to Byley Primary School and Cllr Beecroft said: 'They could see that traffic does come down there very fast, as it's a 60mph stretch of road - and that it's very close to the school. They certainly understood our concerns.'

Traffic engineer Richard Flood said: 'We can't say for certain what safety measures will be installed, as we are still in the process of undertaking the surveys.'