A PAIR of county councillors have dug into their neighbourhood budgets in an attempt to slow traffic through a Gaunless Valley hamlet.
Previous calls for a 40mph speed limit on the A68 through Spring Gardens have been rejected, so now councillors Stephen Hugill and Heather Smith want a “gateways scheme” put up on either side of the hamlet to encourage motorists to slow down.
Cllr Smith said: “We want to put rumble strips across the road and paint white gate features on the side of the road. There will also be a blue sign put up. We have asked for a 40mph speed limit several times but they keep saying it doesn’t conform to Department of Transport guidelines.”
She added that a recent speed survey had found vehicles were travelling at an average of 42mph along that stretch of road. Cllr Smith, who doubted the findings, said: “We were surprised to learn that.”
Cllr Hugill added: “I have followed a six-axle wagon coming down here at 55mph.”
The councillors have now given £4,495 towards the creation of the gateways, which will be put up next to the existing Spring Gardens welcome signs.
