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Green Councillor's efforts to make Southville roads safer

13th February 2007

For immediate release

Following the handing in of a one thousand signature petition to Bristol City council about 'Slower Speeds in Southville'^[1], local Green Party Councillor Charlie Bolton wants to keep up the pressure on Bristol City Council. The petition specifically referred to an incident on Raleigh Road, but also raised more general concerns about speeding vehicles in the area.

Councillor Bolton said

"I want to hear from people who can cite specific instances or problems with traffic in the area. So, for example, the Upton Road/Raleigh Road junction has been cited to me as a particular problem area. The more information I can obtain of near misses, or speeding vehicles the better. I will then hand all the information over to the Transport department to further pressurise them into doing something about it. "

Councillor Bolton has access to a speedgun, and wants to use it either to monitor speeds of vehicles on Raleigh Road, or, if there is sufficient interest, to set up a Community Speedwatch scheme. This is a police initiative, which would require some training of groups of two people to monitor speeds, resulting in letters being sent to those caught driving too fast. A scheme was in operation in Coronation Road some months back. Councillor Bolton is asking residents willing to help to get in touch.

Councillor Bolton also wants to hear about other roads affected by speeding vehicles. He added :

"I am already aware of problems in other roads, such as Smythe Road, Greenway, Bush Lane and Coronation Road. The more information I can get about these the better. But there will also be other roads, which I haven¹t been told about. "

People wanting to contact Councillor Bolton should email charles.bolton@bristol.gov.uk, write to 20 Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol or ring 353 3166.

Contact:

Charlie Bolton, Tel 0117 966 1639
Peter Goodwin (Green Party Press Officer) 01275 543280

Note

1. Text of petition:
   "The petitioner request that Bristol City Council identify and implement ways in which to slow down traffic in Southville.
   There was an incident on Friday 22nd September in which a 3 year old was knocked down by a moped at the junction of Upton Road and Raleigh road. Fortunately, the toddler was not seriously hurt. However, this highlights increasing concerns locally about speeds, particularly on Raleigh Road and a number of other local streets.
   We believe action should be taken to reduce speeds within the local area to promote a greener, safer, more sustainable community."