Speed Humps - Westwood Hill

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The Eagle
Posts: 314
Joined: 18 Feb 2006 06:19
Location: Sydenham

Speed Humps - Westwood Hill

Post by The Eagle »

There are strong rumours that some bright spark has proposed speed humps in Westwood Hill.
I hope there is no truth in it ..........imagine the noise it will make for residents who live on Westwood Hill everytime a lorry, truck, van etc hit one of these.

If this is true I hope this is being opposed by Sydenham Society!
Pat Trembath
Posts: 613
Joined: 2 Oct 2004 10:54

Post by Pat Trembath »

The council has plans for additional traffic calming on Westwood Hill because of continued excessive speeds and because of multiple accidents at Jews Walk, Longton Grove and High Level Drive junctions.

Anti-skid surfaces will be applied and a couple of traffic islands are likely to be introduced. The situation will continue to be monitored.

The plans are still being finalised. Local residents will get a letter shortly advising them of the work to be done.
Cathy
Posts: 126
Joined: 17 Aug 2005 11:20
Location: SE26

Post by Cathy »

I have one of these speed humps right outside my flat - and I can tell you that when a lorry/truck etc hits one of these it is flaming annoying - my flat seems to shudder! Also not to mention the drivers who come flying down from the high street and slam on their breaks 'cos they've only just realised its there - and not forgetting the arguments that take place because of the parked cars either side of the road too :shock: :shock: and double :shock:
Cathy
Posts: 126
Joined: 17 Aug 2005 11:20
Location: SE26

Post by Cathy »

...and I would have also thought by now that other traffic calming measures could be implemented rather than by just laying down speed humps - I hate the things and they are certainly no good whatsoever for the emergency services...
The Eagle
Posts: 314
Joined: 18 Feb 2006 06:19
Location: Sydenham

Post by The Eagle »

Pat Trembath wrote:The council has plans for additional traffic calming on Westwood Hill .........................................
........................................
The plans are still being finalised. Local residents will get a letter shortly advising them of the work to be done.
Thanks for that reply.
So it looks like it is on hold at the moment.

The original 'rumour' I heard was that Sydenham Society were the instigators of getting speed humps in Westwood Hill ....is that true?

So if things do get worse could you tell me where Sydenham Society stand on this; will they be opposing the speed humps or will they be pushing for them?
nasaroc
Posts: 602
Joined: 1 Oct 2004 12:41
Location: Sydenham

Post by nasaroc »

There is no truth whatsoever that the Sydenham Society instigated a scheme or "pushed for" speed humps on Westwood Hill. These schemes are under the control of TFL and Lewisham Council. We heard nothing about this scheme or had never discussed anything like this until the resident's association in Longton Grove drew our attention to it.

The Sydenham Society has no general policy in principle either for or against speed humps. Surely we have to look at each case on its merits. There doesn't for example seem to be a huge demand from those living in the many roads around Sydenham which have road humps/cushions to have them removed. (Frankly, I think there would be huge opposition from most "speed-bumped" streets if you suggested their removal). There wouldn't therefore be a strong community case to oppose speed humps/cushions on principle in every case.

Personally (and I'm only giving my own view) I feel that speed humps/cushions, despite their huge disadvantages, are the only means of slowing traffic in certain accident black spots or where traffic is consistently speeding. It's all very well calling for alternatives to speed bumps but those don't actually exist. Speed cameras are fine but you would need one every 50m down Westwood Hill to slow the traffic. And there simply isn't enough money in the public purse to do this. Flashing signs are fine but they are simply not obeyed by the speedsters. Chicanes? Well imagine those on Westwood Hill!

A few posters above are calling for alternatives to speed bumps, I'd be delighted to hear exactly what those are.

On my road - bring on speed bumps anytime! The quicker the better. And most of my neighbours would support such a scheme. Not because they don't see the disadvantages of speed bumps (noise etc) but because they are the only workable method of keeping traffic down to a reasonable speed. They are the least worst (and only) alternative we have to combat the petrolheads.
The Eagle
Posts: 314
Joined: 18 Feb 2006 06:19
Location: Sydenham

Post by The Eagle »

nasaroc wrote:There is no truth whatsoever that the Sydenham Society instigated a scheme or "pushed for" speed humps on Westwood Hill. These schemes are under the control of TFL and Lewisham Council. We heard nothing about this scheme or had never discussed anything like this until the resident's association in Longton Grove drew our attention to it.
Thanks for clarifying that ..................... the 'rumour' blaming Sydenham Society started from a member of the residents asscociation who lives in Beaulieu Ave ( I believe part of Longton Grove Res Assoc)
The Eagle
Posts: 314
Joined: 18 Feb 2006 06:19
Location: Sydenham

Post by The Eagle »

Pat Trembath wrote:The plans are still being finalised. Local residents will get a letter shortly advising them of the work to be done.
Does that mean when we get the letter, the Council would have already made up their mind and the work would be in hand; or will it be at the stage where residents can object etc

Thanks
nasaroc
Posts: 602
Joined: 1 Oct 2004 12:41
Location: Sydenham

Post by nasaroc »

The changes have now been boiled down to minor signage and two small markings along two sections of Westwood Hill.

It was agreed at the meeting that there was no need to have a widespread consultation about such minor issues and that the road traffic engineer would supply (amongst others) the chair of Longton Grove Residents association with a letter detailing the scheme.

If you are in contact with the Longton Grove people, perhaps you could ask them for sight of the letter.

Really, this scheme is now not something that is significant enough to warrant anyone worrying about. But follow it up by all means.
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