Snow & Ice Clearing - Mersey Way

The Snow was slowly clearing but left treacherous black ice on the road surface at the junction of Mersey Way and Bowling Green Road. 

My car got stuck on the ice as I was trying to turn left into Bowling Green Road. Not a happy place to be!

Over two days I chipped away at the ice on the road and cleared some snow from the footpaths.

I have emailed Thatcham Town Council and asked them for a grit bin to be sited on the grass nearby, similar to the one below, although this one looks like a converted loo! We could have more snow in April!

The Speed of Light!

Late one evening over the Christmas festive period, a car mounted the kerb in Bowling Green Road, did a u turn over the grass and demolished a lamppost close to the footway/cycle way.

Shortly after hitting the lamppost the occupants of the car were seen to get out, inspect the damage, and carefully drive away. 

This is just another non injury accident that will not feature in any statistics and therefore will not be used as evidence for 24 hour speed enforcement on Bowling Green Road! 



In Memory of Tom Slater 26 02 1995 - 18 05 2012

I met Tom Slater's father Paul at the Henwick Sportsfield, to see first hand the memorial bench dedicated to the life of Tom. The Henwick Management Committee, were honoured to receive a request from Mr Slater to place the bench at the sportsfield. The whole community can now share in this moving and lasting tribute to Tom. 

Letter from America

I was delighted to receive a letter from a former resident of Newbury, now living in America, commenting on my proprosal to increase traffic flow on West Berkshire's road network.

I suggested to the Highways Department, that where appropriate and with only minor modifications to the junction layout, left-hand filter lane traffic lights remain on green unless pressed to red by a pedestrian wishing to cross the road. This would increase traffic flow and reduce pollution from vehicles stopping unnecessarily. 

In the letter the writer highlights some effective ways the motorist in America benefits from innovative thinking.

I quote: Generally a right turn (UK left turn) is permitted on a red traffic light if the road is clear and if it is safe to proceed. In the event this is not permitted a sign 'No Turn on Right ' is clearly displayed.

Four Way Stop: This is indicated by a flashing red light against all four cross junctions. 
The procedure is that all traffic stops at the intersection and the first vehicle arriving at the junction is clear to proceed.  If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, drivers give way to the vehicle on their right (left in the UK). We have practical experience of this system as an installation close to our home has considerably reduced waiting time at a busy junction.

It was very refreshing to hear how juctions are configured in America to increase traffic flows.
We can learn from the success and experience in other countries. But are we ready in this country to take on the challenge of additional traffic congestion and deal with it?



Family pets killed on Bowling Green Road

                                                 

My close neighbours are holding four caskets containing the ashes of their family cats, all sadly killed on Bowling Green Road. 

Whilst the families grieve for their loss, they told me of their real concern for the safety of pedestrians and especially children walking to school along this busy road. A lack of driver concentration or simply speeding has contributed to so many vehicle accidents in this area. 

I will continue to pressure West Berkshire Council to install speed cameras so that we all have a chance of crossing the road safely.

    

Find the Adult Gym at Henwick Sports Field

Just beyond the pavilion on the Henwick Sports Field, there is a row of strange looking adult gym aparatus. I tried this one which is said to be good for the hips. A passer-by took the photograph and kindly helped me down to planet earth after about 5 minutes of swaying happily back and forth. Actually, I did feel better for it!    

125 train overhanging Thatcham level crossing!

I took these pictures early on Thursday morning (13 September) of two different trains stopped at Thatcham Station bound for London. If only the 125 trains could move a few feet into the station the barriers could be raised and the traffic could flow again. Is it not that simple?