Council trials new traffic calming scheme in Ness

Cheshire West and Chester Council, in partnership with Neston Town Council, is trialling a new traffic calming scheme on a busy section of Neston Road in Ness, following requests from local residents.

The road, which runs past the botanical gardens, carries over 2,000 vehicles a week and high speeds were causing concerns about safety.

Following the requests from residents, a new form of traffic calming utilising a chicane system of two ‘build-outs’ has been installed.  This type of chicane is new to the borough but has been installed in many other areas across the country with considerable success.

The chicane does not have any such priority to any particular direction and relies on driver courtesy.  Drivers from both directions have to be aware of each other and take more care and consideration, therefore reducing speeds.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Residents and users of the village hall expressed concern that traffic speeds showed many cars travelling in excess of the 30mph zone. This is a relatively straight section of road, directly in front of their homes and people were very worried about potential accidents.

“We are now trialling the chicane, when drivers get used to the system it will bring great benefit to the area by bringing down the speeds through Ness village. Our Highways engineers will continue to monitor the scheme and it can be modified if needed.”

The traffic calming chicane was installed last week and has signs stating ‘New Road Layout Ahead’ to pre warn drivers.

As it is a new form of traffic calming in the borough, the Council expects it will take some time initially to build driver awareness.  The basis of the trial is to review whether the feature does its job in bringing down speeds of traffic entering the village.

The project costs were shared between the Council and Neston Town Council.

Councillor Pat Kynaston of Neston Town Council said: “Neston Town Council was pleased to partner with the Council to install speed restriction measures in Ness.  Residents have been asking for this for some time and the trial system is already slowing down traffic as it enters the village.

“It's another example of co-operation that benefits Neston residents.”