Anger at new traffic plan for Bramley

Rotherham Borough Council has started public consultation on traffic calming measures—including speed humps on Flash Lane, Bramley—despite promising a pedestrian crossing.

Planning notices posted on the area’s lamp-posts have even been hijacked by Bramley Parish Council’s own notices voicing opposition to the scheme.

Campaigning resident, Robert Foulds, said: “Just like what happened with the one-way system and the promise of a crossing, the council have stomped in against the wishes of everybody else.

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“Their own documentation gave them a one-way system that was directing the traffic against the way it was actually going but now the traffic system is so complicated that it deters people from coming into what was once a flourishing town centre.

“We are battling against the speed bump idea now as well, which is just another example of the council’s inadequacy.”

Developers Ben Bailey paid £10,000 to the council for a pedestrian crossing on Flash Lane when their housing estate was completed in 2005.

But this has never been implemented, leaving residents outraged as the amount of traffic continues to rise with the addition of several new houses.

The borough council has not yet revealed how much the new proposals will cost.

Bramley resident Vera Trimmer (63), said that she was disappointed with the developments.

“I took on investigations into the situation on Flash Lane in February of this year having almost been hit by a car when crossing the road,” she said.

“The plan does not meet with ‘promises’ made for a pedestrian crossing—unofficial or otherwise.

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“Surely in these days of technology, there is the knowledge to implement a zebra crossing, with the relevant markings, which even the stupidest of drivers recognise.

“But a hump leaves much to be desired and isn’t what we want.”

Ms Trimmer added: “I also find these totally inappropriate on a direct route to a cemetery.

“Having travelled on similar routes, it is quite distressing and I am sure there are other options with a more ‘sensitive’ approach to traffic calming measures.”

A spokesman for Ben Bailey Homes said that the company no longer had responsibility for the site as the funds for the pedestrian crossing had been given to the council.

A spokeswoman for Rotherham Borough Council confirmed that statutory consultation regarding Flash Lane was underway, adding that the road did not require a crossing.

She added: “Members of the public have until November 19 to make their views known on the proposed measures, which include a flat-top speed table as well as speed cushions.

“Due to the low number of pedestrians crossing Flash Lane, the site does not meet the council’s criteria for a zebra or pelican crossing.

“A flat top speed table, which is a raised crossing point, is being provided in conjunction with speed cushions to slow traffic on Flash Lane and make it easier for people to cross.

“Any views or objections to the proposals that are reported to the authority will then be forwarded onto the relevant Cabinet member, who will make the final decision on the scheme.”

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