RESIDENTS GIVE BIG THUMBS UP TO 20MPH ZONE

Following a recent consultation by Cheshire East Highways, I am pleased to report that residents have spoken strongly and in large numbers in favour of the introduction of a 20mph zone and associated traffic calming measures in the centre of our village. In total, almost 700 people responded, with more than 500 in support of the proposals.

A report commissioned by Cheshire East Council concludes that "694 responses is a high level of response, particularly given the population of Alderley Edge village in 2011 (the last census) was 4,780. That such a large proportion of residents (73%) indicated their support for the proposals gives a fairly clear mandate to proceed with them, indeed many residents felt that the proposals could go further.

Whilst there is very strong support for the proposals, there is some concern that the proposals may not solve what might be the main issue in the village - that of apparent 'supercar parades' which the village seems to have become a focal point for. The large volume of responses to the survey however, indicates a high level of feeling about the proposals and the issues they are designed to solve."

The main reasons given in support of the proposals included: 

- "people drive too fast around the village and so a 20mph limit and speed bumps are needed"

- "the proposals will benefit the whole community and make it a more pleasant place to live"

- "the proposals will make it safer for everyone, but especially children, pedestrians and cyclists"

The main reasons given in opposition to the proposals included:

- "they are a waste of money to appease a vocal minority"

- "the proposed area is too large and should focus on London Road only"

- "the proposals will have a negative visual impact on the village"

The purpose of the survey was to gather and analyse initial feedback on the proposals and dependent upon the outcome, commence a formal period of consultation on the final proposals. Following the high number of responses in favour of the principle of the scheme, Cheshire East Highways will now proceed to statutory consultation with an indicative timescale as follows:

- drafting of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and Officer Decision Record (December/January)

- formal consultation on the final proposals (February/March)

- detailed design, including road closure/permit consultation (January/April)

- construction and implementation of the scheme (June/July)

I would like to record my thanks to everyone who responded to the consultation, as well as to officers from Cheshire East Highways and our partners in the emergency services and members of the Multi Agency Action Group for their work in developing the proposals. I'm also grateful to our three schools, Alderley Edge Community Primary, Alderley Edge School for Girls & the Ryleys for their support.

Whilst I am pleased with the consultation response, I am under no illusion that there is a single effective solution to the problem of antisocial driving and some of the alternative options that were suggested by opponents of the proposals will need to remain under consideration (such as additional enforcement by the police, as well as average speed or acoustic cameras); however, these options are resource intensive and lie outside the current remit of Cheshire East Council.