Council plans to reduce speed limit to 20mph on 47 roads in Alderley Edge

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Cheshire East Council is proposing to reduce the speed limit to 20 mph on 47 roads in Alderley Edge and introduce other traffic calming measures.

The affected roads are:

  • Ryleys Lane – Entire Length
  • Aldford Place – Entire Length
  • Meadscroft Drive – Entire Length
  • Windemere Drive – Entire Length
  • Meadow Brow – Entire Length
  • Thirlmere Close – Entire Length
  • Sutton Road – Entire Length
  • Grasmere Road – Entire Length
  • Haddon Close – Entire Length
  • Redesmere Drive – Entire Length
  • Eaton Drive – Entire Length
  • Chorley Hall Lane – Entire Length
  • Wilton Crescent – Entire Length
  • Blackshaw Lane – Entire Length
  • Greenlands Walk – Entire Length
  • Beech Cottages – Entire Length
  • Downesway – Entire Length
  • Netherfields – Entire Length
  • Meddings Close – Entire Length
  • South Grove – Entire Length
  • Thurston Green – Entire Length
  • George Street – Entire Length
  • Carlisle Street – Entire Length
  • Orme Street – Entire Length
  • Lydiat Lane – Entire Length
  • Chapel Street – Entire Length
  • Massey Street – Entire Length
  • Green Street – Entire Length
  • South Street – Entire Length
  • Brown Street – Entire Length
  • West Street – Entire Length
  • Chapel Road – Entire Length
  • The Avenue – Entire Length
  • Trafford Road – Entire Length
  • London Road – Entire Length
  • Stevens Street – Entire Length
  • Clifton Street – Entire Length
  • Stamford Road – Entire Length
  • Talbot Road – Entire Length
  • Congleton Road – From its junction with Macclesfield Road for a distance of 294 metres in a southerly direction
  • Macclesfield Road – From its junction with Congleton Road to its junction with Trafford Road
  • Mottram Road – From its junction with Chapel Road to its junction with Orchard Green
  • Moss Lane – From its junction with Trafford Road to its junction with Marlborough Avenue
  • Heyes Lane – From its junction with London Road for a distance of 108 metres in a northeasterly direction
  • Davey Lane – From its junction with Wilmslow Road for a distance of 10 metres in an easterly direction
  • Brook Lane – From its junction with Wilmslow Road for a distance of 93 metres in a northwesterly direction
  • Wilmslow Road – From its junction with London Road for a distance of 184 metres in a northerly direction

The Council is proposing to introduce the new 20mph zone to mitigate concerns raised by the Parish Council, Councillor Craig Browne and local residents over the safety and speed of traffic on various Roads close to the town centre and schools.

Data supplied by Cheshire Police revealed there have been a total of 12 collisions within the latest 5-year period. 5 incidents involving vehicles only, 3 involving vehicles and cyclists, and 4 involving vehicles and pedestrians.

In total, almost 700 people responded to an informal consultation carried out by Cheshire East Highways, with more than 500 in support of the proposals for the introduction of a 20mph zone and associated traffic calming measures in the centre of the village.

The Traffic regulation order states "It is felt that a reduction in the speed limit will help to reduce vehicle speeds in the area and improve pedestrian and road safety, all of which will improve the quality of life for local residents and the school. The Order is part of a wider scheme which includes raised crossings and others traffic calming measures."

If you wish to object to the proposed Orders, or to any provisions contained within them, or make any other representations, you may do so in writing, and if making an objection you must specify the grounds on which it is made and state the Order to which the objection refers, to Mr R Welch, Cheshire East Highways, Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe CW1 2BJ or email to [email protected] to be received by 28th April 2022.

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

David Carey
Saturday 9th April 2022 at 2:54 pm
Heyes Lane 108 metres - that isnt even up to the current speed check sign I dont think? Perhaps we need a volunteer to stand in the centre of Heyes Lane during rush hour to check how fast people speed up and down from Whitehall Bridge and back to Alderley?
Davey Lane 10 metres - Considering this is a cut through also not too impressed.
Yvonne Bentley
Sunday 10th April 2022 at 6:33 am
It would seem that cars can treat the Nether Alderley sign on Congleton Rd as a signal to ramp up their speed and race past the primary school!
David Hadfield
Monday 11th April 2022 at 7:22 am
It's very rarely the SPEED that is the problem in the village (okay, occasionally, but not very often) ..... but what IS the problem is the NOISE !!
These idiots will keep within the 20 mph limit, but they'll rev their engines and as they're going slower, they'll have even more time to annoy us by making a loud noisy racquet for longer !

Everyone in the village is now going to suffer by keeping to the new proposed 20 mph limits.

What is needed are noise monitors, like the ones used in the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. I think the official noise limit for vehicles is 74 decibels so anything over that will incur a fine. Simple !!

This subject of decibels and vehicles has been discussed on here before but obviously Cheshire East have closed their eyes (and ears) to this suggestion ?
Marcus Holt
Monday 11th April 2022 at 1:22 pm
Noise monitors are not available, they were a government trial in RBKC and the DfT are still assessing the data and are looking at further trials as some of the fines were triggered by 2 or 3 cars making "normal" noise all at once and one car getting the fine. 2000 triggers during the trial and only 163 fines were able to be issued after challenges and review of emergency vehicle movements, but hey lets not let the facts get in the way of round of CEC bashing......

Under the trial the fine was £100, no points, no court appearance unless driver elected to do so, and the revenue went to central movement not RBKC (who had to foot the bill for the staffing costs to implement the admin of the system)

No denying that a "fair" and working noise camera akin to a speed camera, with penalty points, would help, but whilst speed cameras reduce speeding they don't stop it, so noise cameras are likely to be the same.

Whilst we are comparing with RBKC, they have had a borough wide 20mph limit on all their managed roads since 2020
Craig Browne
Monday 11th April 2022 at 2:30 pm
Dear all,

The proposals represent the culmination of a series of road assessments, surveys, discussions and consultations which have been taking place since late 2019. They are endorsed by the Multi Agency Action Group, comprising Cheshire East Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team, Cheshire East Highways & the Emergency Services.

The MAAG both considered and rejected a Public Space Protection Order (which would be necessary to make enforceable any acoustic camera system) at the present time. They did not rule out such a scheme in future; however, they very much see the current proposals as a necessary first step, which may need to be complemented in due course.

As I have said previously, I am under no illusion that the proposals will fully address the issue of antisocial driving; indeed, I do not believe there is a single solution which in isolation will achieve this. I do believe however, that the proposals will help to make the centre of our village a safer environment for everyone, especially pedestrians.

I do appreciate that some people would have preferred the proposals to extend further, but as always we are constrained both by cost and the available budget (as a reminder, the scheme is being funded by Section 106 contributions that have been raised on historic developments within Alderley Edge and cannot be spent on routine maintenance).

I would like to thank everyone who has given their support to the proposals and for their patience in waiting for the scheme to come to fruition. The intention is for it to be implemented during the school summer holidays in order to minimise disruption whilst the necessary infrastructure and street furniture is being installed.

Kind regards,
Craig
Andy Brown
Monday 11th April 2022 at 5:30 pm
When we've had speeds on London Road recorded in excess of 80mph in a THIRTY zone you are dealing with people who have scant regard for whatever the speed limit is. Reducing this to 20 mph is going to do very little.

What we need is enforcement of the current limits.
David Carey
Tuesday 12th April 2022 at 6:57 am
Speed is definitely the problem as are the feeder roads leading into the centre of Alderley.
As I posted on my previous post Heyes Lane at peak times is like an F1 racing circuit but unless more enforcement is done by the Police, then all the speed reductions in the world will not stop the problems.
It would be interesting to know just how many people have been caught speeding by the Police in the last 6 to 12 months, not that many I suspect.
Kelvin Briggs
Tuesday 12th April 2022 at 4:04 pm
It’s so sad to hear of the death of
Sam Harding, from Stockport who died after he was hit by an Audi at a 'car meet' in an industrial estate on Sunday 10 April.

A 21-year-old man from Morley in Leeds who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation.

Please let’s deal with these car meets and the real
Speeding that takes place on the bypass.

The token gestures of 20 mph may satisfy some but the real danger and speed lurks ominously on the roads in to the village.
Julie Flynn
Tuesday 12th April 2022 at 5:05 pm
Thank you, Councillor Browne. I understand that those who responded to the survey voted overwhelmingly for the 20mph limit in the village which is now standard in many areas of the UK. As you say, it’s an important first step which will improve safety in the village. I do think that speed and acoustic cameras would also greatly help if funding could be secured in future.
David Smith
Tuesday 12th April 2022 at 9:26 pm
Erica Maslen
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 7:36 am
I totally agree with David Carey's comments re Heyes Lane. There's a particular office block where you take your life in your hands if on the road as they all depart at speed at 5.30..
Dave Chalmers
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 8:12 am
I can agree and accept 20mph limits but they are a complete waste of time if they aren't enforced. They can be more dangerous than the original limits, as inconsiderate idiots often dangerously overtake those of us who are behaving correctly.
Mark Eden
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 11:35 am
Here is the moronic type who ruins our village.........however, police at long last seem to be on to it. It was defo quieter last weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ydZpGXNThk
Mark Eden
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 11:53 am
We could all club together and glue ourselves to the roads!! Seems to be popular these days. Seriously though has anyone considered forming a group to take direct action against these lunatics.
Richard James
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 12:30 pm
Why not include Artists Lane, it has a very dangerous corner, many walkers and cyclists, not to mention with other restrictions it is becoming a cut through to avoid the village.
Marcus Holt
Wednesday 13th April 2022 at 8:32 pm
Love all these comments about how this rd and that rd should have been included... Richard James, Erica Maslen, David Carey...genuine question, did you bother to respond to the consultation? Seems too many people on here find the time to criticise now but couldn't find the time to answer the consultation....if you didn't your comments on here are not valid really are they.
Yvonne Bentley
Thursday 14th April 2022 at 6:14 am
Richard, attempts have been made to address the excessive speeds on Artists Lane and Welsh Row on numerous occasions. Both roads are habitually used as ‘rat runs’ and both are used by walkers and cyclists and have residences with concealed entrances.
Both Cheshire East Council and the Police have refused to address the issue as there have been no recorded serious or fatal accidents!
I personally find it disgusting that this is the benchmark adopted in order to take action. Surely the maxim prevention rather than cure should be adopted.
David Carey
Thursday 14th April 2022 at 11:24 am
Thanks Marcus, yes I did respond did you?
Hence my comments re: Heyes Lane and Erica seems to agree that it is dangerous.
I do have to agree with Yvonne regarding her point about having the wrong benchmarks in place and why are rat runs excluded on the basis of no serious or fatal accidents?
.
Erica Maslen
Thursday 14th April 2022 at 1:12 pm
Thank you David, yes I also responded.
Sally Hirst
Tuesday 19th April 2022 at 10:14 am
Councillor Browne,
I respect your enthusiasm and hard work to improve the village.
Please could you help with the queries below and could you consider temporary signs in the village to enable drivers to test the idea before the large expense is incurred?

I drive through a number of 20mph areas within Manchester and pedestrians step out far more as they dodge through gaps or expect the drivers to stop but I have cyclists ignoring the limit and undertaking at speed.
I keep to the 20mph although I admit that it is difficult to maintain when other drivers sit on your bumper frustrated. Fewer cars getting through green lights stops the flow of traffic compared to 30mph, but also causes drivers to go through on amber or even red.
The 20mph regularly has the opposite effect of traffic calming.
There are however areas where it is obvious to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians that a slow speed is certainly understandable and most of the public realise and treat each other with respect and patience.

In Alderley Edge
- the vehicles that wish to parade through the village will be delighted with the 20mph as they can take their time.
- many drivers leave and return from work before and after shops and schools are open, would 30mph be considered reasonable at those times?
- the Alderley roads assigned for 20mph have good pavements, other roads used by walkers with no pavements are not included in the reduced speed?
- The Survey gave higher 'Yes' percentages to the mini roundabout at the junction of Brook Lane and Wilmslow Road and the raised tables. Why have these not been given priority?
- will the cyclists coming down Macclesfield Road hill keep to the 20mph, how can you fine a cyclist?

I too have completed the survey.

My concerns are also based on this article below which is not unique.

ARTICLE- Council Admits Its 20mph Zones Make Roads More Dangerous
Bath Council has said that road deaths and serious injuries have risen since it introduced 20mph zones, and it doesn't have the money to put the limits back to 30mph
When Bath and North East Somerset Council introduced 13 new 20mph zones at a cost of £871,000, the idea was that roads would get safer.
But, it seems the changes have had the opposite effect.“There is no simple explanation for this adverse trend but it could be that local people perceive the area to be safer due to the presence of the 20mph restrictions and thus are less diligent when walking and crossing roads, cycling or otherwise travelling,” the council’s report states. The review also notes that this trend does appear to be nationwide one. The results are “reflective of the national situation,”

The Telegraph quotes the council’s deputy leader Patrick Anketell-Jones as saying: “It has cost over £800,000 to roll out the 20mph zone and it would probably cost the same to reverse them…We just haven’t got the money. I’m pretty sure the 20mph zones will stay in place for the foreseeable future.”
Craig Browne
Tuesday 19th April 2022 at 3:59 pm
Hi Sally,

Thank you for your comments. I am pleased to respond to your questions, below.

Firstly, to be enforceable, any signage (even if temporary) would require a Traffic Regulation Order, which would need to be advertised in printed media and subject to full public consultation. This would both delay the introduction of any potential scheme and add further cost; therefore, temporary signage is not really a viable option.

Evidence from the traffic assessment carried out in November 2019 (with the results published here - https://www.alderleyedge.com/assets/alderleyedge/files/traffic-tracsis.pdf) shows that peak vehicle movements occur from approximately 08:00 until 18:00 and remain broadly consistent throughout the day between those times.

The purpose of the proposed scheme is to create a 20mph zone around the centre of the village, rather than 47 unconnected roads with individual speed limits. Whilst I accept there are some routes without footpaths (principally on the village periphery), the extent of the zone has been chosen for its proximity to local schools and the main shopping area.

Raised tables will be introduced on Wilmslow Road (by Alderley Edge School for Girls), Ryleys Lane (by Alderley Edge Community Primary School and the Ryleys School), at the existing pelican crossing points on London Road and by the de Trafford Arms on Congleton Road. The purpose of the raised tables is to help make the 20mph zone self-enforcing.

The proposed mini-roundabout at the junction of Brook Lane is, for reasons of cost, being taken forward as a separate project, using SMOTS (Sustainable Modes of Transport to School) funding. I have provided more information on this in my column "Your Voice at Cheshire East Council" in the latest version of the Parish Council newsletter.

Finally, Cheshire East Council is not empowered to enforce against moving traffic offences; that remains the responsibility of the police, whether in relation to motor cars, bicycles or other non-motorised vehicles.

I hope this helps

Kind regards,
Craig
Kelvin Briggs
Wednesday 20th April 2022 at 2:00 pm
Where can we find a copy of the Parish Council newsletter so we can read about the mini roundabout idea?
Mike Dudley-Jones
Wednesday 20th April 2022 at 4:48 pm
Kelvin,

Although you don’t live in the Village you must know people who do? Give them a call and ask them if you could have a read of their copy. We deliver them to 2400 homes.
Yvonne Bentley
Thursday 21st April 2022 at 9:14 am
Kelvin, the newsletter would appear to be available on the AE parish council website
https://alderleyedge-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Village-News-Spring-2022.pdf
Kelvin Briggs
Saturday 23rd April 2022 at 3:44 pm
Thanks Yvonne, that’s really helpful.

How about the Parish Council consider printing a couple of hundred more copies and drop them off at the library ,railway station , some of the bars and restaurants , shops and major employers like Chess? Then people
travelling to the village to work or for socialising or walking or cycling would be more aware of what’s going on in the village.
As Mike Dudley- Jones pointed out, I don’t live in the village , I’m 1.8 miles from the village centre so don’t receive a copy . Whilst it may be available after a few days delay on the Parish Council website, I’m not sure many people working in the village are likely to see it.
Just an idea , wouldn’t cost a fortune and you’d have more people aware of village events, perhaps increase attendance at events?
Kelvin Briggs
Monday 25th April 2022 at 4:56 pm
Great that Councillor Bev Chapman has delivered some copies of the Parish Council newsletter to the station waiting room today.

Big thanks to the Parish Council for recognising the village visitors, workers , tourists and those of us who live on the village fringes might read it and become engaged with the village, much appreciated !