Residents in Highbridge are celebrating this week after forcing Somerset County Council to reconsider its plans to introduce parking restrictions along a busy road.
Members of the recently-formed RAPYD (Residents Against Proposed Yellow Disaster) group set-up to fight the proposals for double yellow lines at the junction of Burnham Road and Pepperall Road, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com they were “delighted” that Somerset County Council has back-tracked over the scheme.
Residents have this week received a letter from Dan Martin, the county council’s Local Transport Plan Implementation Officer, stating that the introduction of double yellow lines will go ahead in Pepperall Road, but not in Burnham Road.
In the letter, he states: “We received a number of objections and comments relating to the proposed removal of parking opportunities.”
“Following these representations, we have reviewed our design to try and reduce the impact on adjacent residents while still ensuring the scheme improves traffic flow through the junction and complies with the required safety standards.”
“As a result of this review, we have reduced the proposed parking restrictions associated with this scheme. For safety reasons, the restrictions on Pepperall Road are needed from its junction with Burnham Road for a distance of 70 metres, but we are now proposing that current restrictions on Burnham Road are not altered at this time.”
Mr Martin cautioned that the decision could change at a later date since an “experimental order will be in force for a maximum of 18 months, during which time the situation will be kept under review.”
Fiona Cawley, chairperson of RAPYD, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “The group appreciates the new proposals for double yellow lines, but is mindful of the review period.”
However, she added that the group still is unhappy about other aspects of the scheme.
“The group has serious concerns about the location of the bus stop going from Burnham to Highbridge in relation to the proposed pedestrian crossing.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com was first to report earlier this month how Somerset County Council wanted to construct a mini roundabout, plus a new pedestrian crossing and double yellow lines, at the junction of Pepperall Road and Burnham Road. The council argues it is needed because the Frank Foley Parkway will create a huge increase in traffic passing through the area.
The residents have got the backing of local Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate Tessa Munt.
And Highbridge councillor Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: “Although I supported the initial idea for the roundabout at this junction, I was not happy at the proposed locations of the pedestrian crossings.”
“I am pleased that the County Council have taken note of the hazards of the pedestrian crossing locations. The idea of an island isn’t perfect, but much improved on the original plan.”
Burnham-On-Sea.com first highlighted safety at the junction last year when a local resident called for a pedestrian crossing there.
