Request for Whiston traffic calming rejected - but it could be considered in future

A new request for traffic calming measures in Whiston has been ruled out by Rotherham Council - because of technical difficulties.

But the authority has said the issue could be taken up again as part of its commitment to developing Ward Road Safety Plans for each area within the borough.

Cllr Paul Thorp had requested the council look to provide traffic-calming on High Street, towards Turner Lane from the Methodist church.In a question raised at a Rotherham Council meeting, he said earlier requests “had been met with a straight no”.

The issue is around traffic speed and visibility issues caused by parked cars.However, Cllr John Williams, cabinet member for transport, has responded to say that installing measures such as speed humps is not possible at that location.

He said in a letter to Cllr Thorp: “This location has been assessed previously.

“Different ideas were explored including road humps.

“They are not suitable here because of the shape of the road the retaining walls and limited visibility for drivers.

“These issues mean road humps would not meet the required safety and design standards that we must use when we are planning works on the road network.

“We recognise the concerns raised following the recent collision, particularly regarding vehicle speeds and visibility affected by parked vehicles.

“Whilst previous assessments concluded that traffic calming measures could not be justified, all new concerns are recorded and will be considered as part of future reviews.”

The situation would be “an ideal issue to consider” as part of a Ward Road Safety Plan for the Sitwell area, he added.