Locals fear safety issues as the A36 reopens. They call for a crossing, and lower speeds in Limpley Stoke after road closure.
The road will reopen with traffic lights, National Highways said it will be March 1st. Some locals now want changes, including a reduced speed limit and a pedestrian crossing.
Sam Fairley helped organize the campaign, feeling worried about crossing the road to take her children to Freshford Church School. She finds crossing with kids daunting and liked it better when the A36 was shut.
Fairley hoped for road improvements, but says red tape makes things hard. She wishes they’d done more while it was closed to improve the road.
Fairley estimates 10,000 cars use the road daily, traveling through Limpley Stoke at 40 mph. Locals want a safer way to cross for young families and older people.
People have had many near misses and one person was even hit by a car. Their big fear is that nothing will change until someone gets hurt.
Harriet Olsen started a petition asking for a crossing in Limpley Stoke. A safe crossing would reduce risks and reduce parents’ stress.
Fliss Childs, another concerned resident, notes many new families live in Upper Limpley. They must cross the busy road to reach the school and public transport.
Childs estimates 20 kids risk their lives daily doing this, wondering if someone must die first. She wants action before that happens, not wanting to wait till it is too late.
Sara-Jane Socha, part of the Parish Council, finds crossing the road terrifying. She wants a safe crossing for everyone because cars drive too fast there.
She said Upper Limpley residents have campaigned since 2012. She cannot understand their situation and says limits have been reduced elsewhere, so wants action quickly.
National Highways responded to requests for comment, acknowledging people want a crossing. They worked with councils to develop options and will speak more with the community.