Help Sitemap Home Skip Navigation Contact Us Disability Statement


Campaigners celebrate rat-run victory

Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image
Click on thumbnail to view image

Published Date: 31 July 2009
Residents in West Hunsbury are celebrating after councillors won a campaign to stop heavy goods vehicles using residential roads in the area as a rat run.
Families in Ladybridge Drive and Hunsbury Hill Road were increasingly frustrated at lorries using residential roads as a short cut to avoid Northampton's Mereway roundabout.

Councillors Paul Varnsverry and Richard Matthews (Lib Dem, West Hunsbury) lobbied Northamptonshire County Council for weight restrictions to be imposed on the road.

And despite an initial setback, they kept up the pressure, forcing a U-turn from the authority,

Councillor Varnsverry, who is also the party's prospective Parliamentary candidate for Northampton South, said: "County Hall originally said our request was ranked 51 on a list of roads to be investigated. Due to budget cuts, officers had little or no cash to undertake the surveys and legal work needed to roll out the weight restrictions."

He added: "Councillor Matthews and I kept up the pressure until finally officers agreed to install 'Local Access Only' signs on local roads.

"These signs stop drivers using residential roads as rat runs for out-of-town trips."

Page 1 of 1

  • Last Updated: 31 July 2009 8:57 AM
  • Source: Northampton Chron & Echo
  • Location: Northampton
 
Prev
1
Next
1

wehaventhadourdinner,

In the motor 31/07/2009 12:55:19
Our driver's just taken us past one of these signs and reckons there OK.
George knows the area and says "how come it's the Borough Councillors wot got it sorted"
"My mum says the County Councillor's some double barreled bloke who's just been re-elected."
"He's nowhere in sight on this one" he adds.
"No change there!" says Frank.
Can't wait to get back to the canteen, it's fish and chips on a Friday.
Have a good one.
Jack
2

Roger Mellie,

Abington 31/07/2009 15:07:51
Fantastic news, but with one small problem. The sign in the picture is square. Only round signs carry obligatory instructions for road users. Doh!!!
3

The Earl of Upney,

In the orangery 31/07/2009 15:47:11
We have not long returned from a drive around the county.
Clarkson, our number 2 chauffeur drove us around in Bristol 407 Viotti, and we took luncheon at an inn.
We journeyed around in the West Hunsbuery area. The Countess had read this article earlier at morning coffee, when the Bellamys popped in.
We saw these rather attractive signs. We are not aware as to their legality, but they looked very effective, at least one juggernaut took notice.
There seems to be a little contretemps as to the Borugh Councillors dealing with this, rather than the apparently dilatory County Councillor, whose name escapes me. Great Aunt Regina who is staying with us, who keeps her finger on the pulse, but is sometimes confused, ventures that his name is Houston-Robotics or something.
Doubtless Hudson will have the correct information.
Meanwhile we wonder if our Long Wheelbase Daimler Majestic Major Landaulet will be prohibited by these signs. Should we ask the County Councillor, whomever he may be?
Upney
"Putting a few miles in for the people of Nothamptonshire"
4

Capt Kidd,

31/07/2009 20:35:02
Unless Cllr Varnsverry intends to take up duties at a 'toll gate' to check that any lorries using the road are only seeking 'local access' then these signs are of no use. Except an opportunity for the PPC to get into the paper again.

Better than Dalek slippers I suppose, although a waste of taxpayers money.
5

,

08/08/2009 06:20:45
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
6

,

10/08/2009 15:01:10
Comment Reported Unsuitable By User
Prev
1
Next

 

Comment on this Story

 

In order to post comments you must Register or Sign In

 
 
 
 


Sister Newspapers:
Press Complaints Commission

This website and its associated newspaper adheres to the Press Complaints Commission’s Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then contact the Editor by clicking here.

If you remain dissatisfied with the response provided then you can contact the PCC by clicking here.