News / St Werburghs
‘A little inconvenience for those of us who drive can transform our neighbourhood’
Residents in St Werburgh’s have joined forces to ask for one of the main roads in the neighbourhood to be closed to cars.
Writing on the St Werburgh’s Community News Facebook group, Katherine Jacob, who lives on Mina Road, said that the street “has become a busy rat run for every kind of traffic, all hours of the day and night”.
Jacob said that motorists wanting to save a few minutes getting to St Paul’s, Ashley Hill or Eastville choose to drive down Mina Road rather than using the M32.
is needed now More than ever
“However, this is a small and compact neighbourhood, near small local shops, a park, a community centre and a primary school.
“Children and families, dog walkers and cyclists are a familiar sight on our little high street and people like to sit out opposite the park to sip coffee, not breathe in the smell of car fumes or worry about the noise and aggression of vehicles as they attempt to cross the zebra crossing safely.”
Campaigners have placed handpainted signs along Mina Road – photo: Martin Booth
In a recent council consultation, 85 of local residents said that there was too much traffic on the road.
Jacob wants the M32 exit to Mina Road to be closed to motor vehicles via an Experimental Traffic Restriction Order which could be trialled for 18 months
“Residents who drive can easily come in and out the same way onto James Street, parking issues will be resolved across St Werburgh’s as commuters can no longer park and stride to town and the area will be peaceful and safe for walking and cycling – which will encourage all of us to drive less and give our children space to live better.
“A little inconvenience for those of us who drive can transform our neighbourhood.”
Campaigners are asking for cars to slow down and for there soon to be no cars at all – photo: Martin Booth
The Mina Road Action Group have started a petition asking for Mina Road to go traffic-free, which has so far received more than 200 signatures.
Jacob added: “For anyone who cares about people, the environment, sustainable travel, and safer streets, please sign our petition and support our campaign. It seems the only way to get something done is to unite and make a big noise.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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