Residents in West Bridgford think the speed limit changes down residential roads are having a positive effect, but want to see more done. Roads like Mabel Grove and Abbey Road had the speed limit changed from 30mph to 20mph, but are still described as 'rat runs' for motorists driving through the area.
Geoff Jenkins, has lived in the area for 30 years, told Nottinghamshire Live about the speeding issues on Albert Road and Mabel Grove even after the limits changed in January 2016.
The 73-year-old said: “I can’t remember when it was - I know the issue with the 20mph limit is that some are advisory. We do have a problem with speeding. It's a rat run. We do get quite a lot of traffic.
Mr Jenkins added: “Where you have got cars parked on both sides you can't actually go at speed, and it's dangerous to go at speed. It would be nice to have proper traffic calming where it’s on the whole estate.”
On a stretch of Radcliffe Road through the Lady Bay area, the speed limit was previously 40mph but was reduced a few months ago to 30mph. At the time residents along Radcliffe Road and its side streets felt the change had not been well advertised, saying many motorists were "just not aware".
Another resident in the area Jim Ellis, who is 71, also says Mabel Grove still has issues, including those create by people parking on the street. Mr Ellis said: “It’s a rat run as you can see. It’s a parking area for the town centre, football and cricket - those events. This is the only road where parking is free. The problem isn’t the 30mph speed, the parking has always been an issue and visibility is an issue."
According to residents, the neighbouring side roads all have parking permits. However Mabel Grove residents previously chose not to implement the sheme. Mr Ellis added: “The speed is what it is where it’s 20 or 30 - it’s difficult to get to 30 down here anyway.”
Javid Padamsey, 42, a director, didn’t notice the change and says people still drive quickly down the side road. He said: “They come down here fast. They could do with speed humps. It’s better at 20 but there’s not many signs to say it’s 20mph. At night taxis fly down here. Every car has had a hit or a bump down here, it’s not very wide.”
Another resident who didn’t want to be named said it is safer now that the speed was reduced. He said: “You still get lunatics screeching down here. It’s improved generally though. The boy racers with their exhausts. I guess it’s slightly safer now.”
To read all the biggest and best stories first sign up to read our newsletters here.
