In the last week white gates have been erected at the approaches to Forest Hill on the A4 and Cadley on the A346. The gates, together with road markings, aim to slow traffic down to improve safety for pedestrians and other road users.
Savernake Parish Council and residents have been concerned for some time about the speed of vehicles approaching these hamlets and the accompanying safety issues. Cllr Martin Phipps told Marlborough.news, “The scheme gained impetus after a fatality outside the Savernake Hospital a few years ago. We have several near misses each year. The Parish Council had some funds for community schemes and we decided to use this fund for the gates.”
Working with Wiltshire’s Council Community Area Transport Group, Savernake Parish Council have also been pushing for a 40mph speed limit at Forest Hill, it’s currently 50mph. Cllr Phipps commented, “A lot of people don’t realise there are residents at Forest Hill and think it’s just open road. There are many safety issues – Forest Hill residents with driveways which open directly onto the A4 with sightlines restricted due to two bends; the Cricket Club and visitors to the Savernake Hospital as well as the residents of Maurice Way make this a busy area. It’s also a cycle route. In Cadley there is a pedestrian crossing that needed more signage.”
Wiltshire Councillor for Marlborough East, Caroline Thomas said, “I think it’s fair to say that Savernake Parish Council have worked hard to address the safety concerns of local residents due to the speed vehicles travel into Marlborough on the fast A4 approaching the Forest Hill area and the hospital entrance.
The idea behind the white gate – discussed with Wiltshire Highway engineers – is to raise awareness of drivers that they are entering a reduced speed zone (the existing 50mph zone) approaching Marlborough in the same way that they are often sited on roads into villages.”
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