COUNCIL'S UNPOPULAR HIGHWAY DECISION STALLS

  TORY  OPPOSITION GROUP DEMANDS  RETHINK

 

Are traffic lights really necessary? Noon on a Wednesday and scarcely a car in sight

THERE has been a setback to the unpopular North East Lincolnshire Council proposal to replace the roundabout at WalthamTollbar  with a traffic light controlled junction. 

The authority's  Conservative Opposition Group has blocked  the Labour cabinet's decision pending further scrutiny.

Explains Tory leader Coun Philip Jackson: “It is important that pedestrian safety is improved at Tollbar so that, during term-time,  students can get safety to nearby Tollbar Academy, but having a traffic light controlled junction at this location will just add to delays and congestion throughout the day.

"The current roundabout works perfectly well for 22 hours of every day. We support the alternative idea of part-time traffic lights on the roundabout which can be switched-off outside peak times.

"Traffic light controlled pedestrian facilities can also be incorporated.”

The call-in, which will be heard by a future meeting of NELC's  regeneration, environment & housing scrutiny panel, is being proposed by Humberston & New Waltham councillor Stephen Harness and seconded by Scartho councillor Ian Lindley.

Continues Coun Jackson: “The Conservative Group has campaigned for fewer traffic lights across North East Lincolnshire’s roads and was please that common sense prevailed with regard to retaining roundabouts at Nuns Corner and the Littlecoates Road/Cambridge Road junction.

"Now let’s hope we can get a change of heart at Tollbar."

The Tory leader added: "Since last week’s cabinet decision, I and my colleagues have been inundated with calls and emails from the public, protesting about the Tollbar decision - the local parish council is also vehemently opposed.”