Petition calls for new traffic plan in Peterborough ward to ease congestion and safety concerns

Residents from Woodston in Peterborough are calling for the council to address traffic congestion and road safety in their area.

A petition sent to Peterborough City Council urges the authority to "work with residents to explore a traffic flow system to discourage our roads being used as short cuts”.

So far, 105 people have signed the online petition.

Many of the roads in the area, including Belsize Avenue and New Road, feature rows of terraced homes without front gardens or driveways. Residents therefore need to park on the roadside, which can cause problems when there is a volume of two-way traffic passing through.

The petition, which calls for the introduction of a new one-way system, features the tag-line ‘Woodston streets for Woodston people - let's take back control!’.

An excerpt reads: “It would make sense to introduce a one-way system to roads which only have space for one-way traffic.

“Many of our streets are narrow and sometimes leads to driver aggression, angry frustration due to there being not enough space for two cars to pass.

“Cars drive too fast along our streets, using them as a rat run between London Road and Oundle Road. This puts children, vulnerable adults and all of us at risk.”

The petition also points to concerns over increased vehicle pollution for residents.

It goes on: “There are primary schools in our area and small children are more susceptible to the health impacts of air pollution. In New Road, it feels like traffic has increased even more since the opening of Lidl on Oundle Road.

“We hope a quieter neighbourhood will make our streets feel safer to walk, cycle on drive on, bring cleaner air to breath and increase the value of our homes.”

Responding to the petition, Councillor Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for En vironment and Transport at PCC, said: “We are fully committed to ensuring our highways are safe for road users and pedestrians and we always welcome feedback

from residents.

“In this case, we will look to discuss with residents who have highlighted concerns in this area and offer advice, with a view to finding potential solutions.”

To sign the e-petition visit the council’s website.