Speed survey planned for ‘dangerous’ road

A council has promised to look at the speed of drivers on a town centre road after a number of complaints from residents.

Rutland County Council will carry out a speed survey in Barleythorpe Road, Oakham, during the next two weeks.

The council also plans to replace the bulbs in the zebra crossing beacons with bright LED lights as part of an ongoing upgrade programme.

Some Barleythorpe Road residents have expressed concerns about safety on the road, saying it is dangerous for pedestrians and motorists. A car and a motorbike collided near the zebra crossing at about 8pm on Tuesday this week, although no serious injuries were reported.

Director for places at Rutland County Council Dave Brown said the survey was being carried out in response to public feedback and would take place “in the next two weeks and gather data over a seven-day period”.

He added: “As part of an ongoing programme of improvements to pedestrian crossings in Rutland, our highways team is also due to replace the traditional Belisha beacons in Barleythorpe Road with a new LED lighting system. Similar upgrades have already been made to six other crossings in county and not only offer improved visibility but also help to reduce long-term energy and maintenance costs.”

Barleythorpe Road resident John Learoyd, 48, said the problems were created when the council painted double yellow lines on both sides of the road.

Mr Learoyd, a landscaper, who previously chaired the Barleythorpe Road residents’ group, has asked the council to improve safety several times.

“Concerns were raised more than two years ago about an increase in traffic speed and safety at the crossing,” he added. “Luckily enough the motorcyclist was not seriously injured on Tuesday. But sooner or later someone is going to get killed.”