Area:
Winkworth Road (the A2022) is a very busy 40mph ‘A’
road generally running in an east-west direction flanked by a slip
road to the north and south. The entire length of Winkworth Road is
made of residential housing on either side.
Overview:
Over the last few years ‘depressions’ in the road
(likely caused by historical roadworks) have worsened to the point
of now being both a health and safety hazard. The areas of
particular concern are located outside house numbers 92, 100 &
120 and affect both carriageway directions, but particularly on the
North side.
Concerns:
A summary of our main concerns, which the council are already well
aware of, are summarised below
1. Safety
It has been witnessed that when a vehicle passes over these
depressions at the roads speed limit it’s wheels temporarily
leave the road due to the uneven road surface for a number of
metres. Given this road has a 40mph speed limit - which in itself
is surprising given its residential nature - the danger caused by a
vehicles wheels leaving the ground severely compromises its braking
capability and therefore increasing its stopping distance. To
further compound the effect of the points above at certain times of
the year the morning sun shines directly into the eyes of a vehicle
travelling in an easterly direction towards the upper end of
Winkworth Road. Whilst no amount of roadworks can fix the position
of the sun in the sky, it further adds to what I believe is a
potentially deadly mix that one day I fear will end in a serious
accident. Moreover, there have been numerous occasions where items
have fallen from vehicles that have struck these depressions - this
clearly represents a danger to other road users. Unfortunately, not
all users of Winkworth Road observe the speed limit and on a daily
basis a car or motorbike can be seen travelling well in excess of
40mph which further increases the risk of an accident. In my view
it is only a matter of time until there is a serious accident on
Winkworth Road due the road surface condition and the excessive
speed limit.
1. Environmental Noise
Similarly, when a large vehicle, HGV or trailer passes over the
depressions/ uneven surfaces it causes a loud
‘crashing’ sound and significant sound vibration(s).
The frequent, yet irregular, ‘crashes’ - once likened
to canon fire by my elderly neighbour - are incredibly disruptive
to a relaxing home environment and can be heard all around the
surrounding area including inside residents homes. The sound is
that loud that it sometimes sets off my car alarm, and can even be
heard over Zoom when I’m sat in the back of my house with all
the doors/windows closed (note - I can’t work at the front of
my house anymore as this noise is too disruptive).
This - as you imagine - is particularly distressing and is having a
profound and lasting impact on my family’s (and the other
residents’) mental health and well-being. Note , there have
also been concerns raised on the impact to people’s homes
from the noise vibrations. This I have had personal experience
from, having felt my house ‘shudder’ on a number of
occasions over the years!
Started by: Catherine Searle (Local Resident, Cate Searle)
This ePetition ran from 04/08/2021 to 01/11/2021 and has now finished.
167 people signed this ePetition.