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A35 speed protest
Reports on the Campaign(latest to earliest)
Pulman's View from Axminster - 12th May 2009 - Campaigns for A35 road safety finally pay off.
Midweek Herald - 29 April 2009 - Action over A35 for Kilmington
View from Axminster - 19th February 2008 - Villagers step up pressure for A35 speed restriction
Midweek Herald -
View from Axminster -
A35 Protest Letter to keep the pressure on -
Midweek Herald -
View from Axminster -
Print out this letter and send it off with your signature.
This is printed in Midweek Herald to support the A35 Campaign
Midweek Herald -
Midweek Herald -
A35 Update following Meeting held on 15th November at the Old Inn.
Jenny Heathman told the meeting that the Highways agency rep Roger Stribling was waiting for a letter from the Parish council outlining what we are actually looking for on this section of the road. The general feeling from the group is a 40mph speed restriction from the Kilmington sign (should it ever be replaced) leading into a 30mph section before the Whitford road junction going back out to 40mph after the motel and continuing 40mph past the Axminster intersection (another black spot). Coupled with this, a crossing at the Whitford road junction, pedestrian lights or similar. Adequate signage around the Whitford road junction to alert drivers to school children crossing. (School).
Mike Jones told the meeting he had made contact with "Brake" the road safety charity (it can be accessed at www.brake.org.uk). Brake can help us with legal matters, poster campaigns and support if we decide to hold a protest. They have a giant Zebra called Zak who always draws a crowd and media attention. The organisation is well versed in problems such as ours.
The petition is also going very well but will be collected in towards the end of January. Can I repeat that every resident of the village should sign. I am hoping for 1,000 signatures. Copies at Hurfords Stores, Millers Farm Shop and December Post-script.
It seems the Highways are reviewing our needs and we should hear some news by spring 2008 but we need to keep this on the boil, and keep reminding the authorities what we expect to achieve.
The Kilmington web page will be updated with all information.
Owen told the meeting that he has a plan of proposed changes to the A35 as a whole. The paper is some five year old but puts Kilmington as a low priority but does actually state the need for a pedestrian crossing which alone would necessitate a speed restriction.
Councillor Ian Chubb reported that Hugo Swire had added his support to our campaign.
I reported that Ben Bradshaw, Minister for the South West had written to the Highways on our behalf.
Nigel Burton who sent his apologies, sent a letter through me that Neil Parish MEP had also written in favour of our campaign.
The View From Axminster and the Midweek Herald also attended and will be reporting. We would like to thank them for their continued support.
So things are still well and truly in focus but we must keep chipping away, nagging the authorities into seeing sense.
The next meeting is planned for February 7th at 7.00pm at The Old Inn. We need a good turn out for this.
We will then be in a position to decide our next move and hopefully hold a strong petition.
Mike Jones
Letter sent to Mr M Hornbrook of the Highways Agency on 8 November 2007 by a concerned resident.
Speed Limit on A35 through Kilmington, Devon
I, together with everyone in Kilmington, am concerned about the speed with which vehicles drive on the A35 through the village of Kilmington.
I am worried that a fatality is waiting to happen. You and I know that speed kills. The higher the speed the higher the risk of death. As you are aware there is currently no speed limit on this section of the road; it is a single carriageway road and so cars and motorbikes may legally drive at 60mph (although many go faster than this) on a road that is clearly not suitable for that speed.
It is outrageous that excessive speed is allowed where there are numerous side roads, entrances to businesses and private driveways along a relatively short section of the road (more details enclosed).
It is clearly a dangerous section of the A35 as evidenced by the many skid marks which appear regularly on various parts of the road. New skid marks appear on an almost daily basis.
The school children, village residents, Parish Council, County Council, School Transports Appeals Committee and police all agree that there should be a lower speed limit.
I urge you to do whatever is necessary to introduce a speed limit of 30mph as soon as possible and to make sure that this limit is enforced. To not do so will, I fear, result in serious crashes, serious injuries and possibly fatalities.
Would you please advise me as to when a slower speed limit will be introduced.
Enclosed are more detailed reasons for a reduced speed limit.
Reasons for a reduced speed limit on the A35 through Kilmington?
Turning onto and off the A35 is dangerous
This part of the A35, approximately 800 metres long, has at least 18 entry points directly onto the road. There are 7 side roads joining it, 6 driveways to and from private houses, 5 entrances to and from businesses and 4 bus stopping points (see map attached for details). These entry points are divided into two areas. The majority being close to the crossroad of the A35 with Whitford Road covering approximately 300 meters and the second being close to the junction with Hill Crest.
Turning into and exiting from these entry points is simply dangerous.
The turnings, in the main, are sharp and all without slip roads and so vehicles turning left off the A35, and those turning right across the oncoming carriageway, have to slow down to a stop or almost to a stop, which means that traffic following behind have to slow down too. There have been many close calls when following vehicles, travelling at 60mph or more, simply do not appreciate that a car in front has had to slow down so much.
Likewise it is very difficult for vehicles to join the A35 when coming out of the side roads, driveways or businesses. In many cases the sight lines are poor and/or of limited range due to the contours of the land and the proximity of buildings to the road. This often results in traffic which is travelling at 60mph unexpectedly having to brake hard to hopefully avoid hitting an emerging vehicle. The stopping distance for a car travelling at 60mph is 73 meters For a heavy lorry travelling at the same speed (which they do but should not) the stopping distance must be significantly longer.
Frequency of joining and crossing the A35
The bulk of the village (population approx 800) lies to the south of the A35 and so the majority of residents have to cross the A35 to do their shopping either in the local farm shop or in Axminster, both of which are north of the road. Similarly anyone visiting the businesses on the A35 have to first join the road and then have to turn off it.
Children and young people crossing the A35
Children and young people living in Kilmington attending school or college in Axminster have to cross the road at times when the traffic is usually heavy and often, during the winter, when it is dark. It is difficult enough in a car to cross the road: it is infinitely more difficult and dangerous to do so on foot. (It scares me just to walk by the side of the road, let alone cross it).
Local Buses
Buses serving the local community and beyond stop at various points along this stretch of road. Some stops have lay-bys others do not. Where there is no lay-by the traffic following, which may be approaching at 60mph or more, often has to brake hard to stop too. Furthermore the villagers catching a bus and returning by bus have to cross the road. As mentioned above this is very dangerous.
Neighbouring speed limits
The immediate neighbouring villages along the A35 (Wilmington and Raymonds Hill) both have speed limits in place so it is illogical that one should not be in place in Kilmington. Indeed as they, and many other villages along the road, have reduced speed limits it is hard to understand what reasons there are for there being no limit in Kilmington! Traffic has to slow down to go through our neighbouring villages so a limit through Kilmington would have little, if any, detrimental effect to the general flow of traffic.
Copies of this letter were sent to:
The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State for Transport
I, together with everyone in Kilmington, am concerned about the speed with which vehicles drive on the A35 through the village of Kilmington.
I am worried that a fatality is waiting to happen. You and I know that speed kills. The higher the speed the higher the risk of death. As you are aware there is currently no speed limit on this section of the road; it is a single carriageway road and so cars and motorbikes may legally drive at 60mph (although many go faster than this) on a road that is clearly not suitable for that speed.
It is outrageous that excessive speed is allowed where there are numerous side roads, entrances to businesses and private driveways along a relatively short section of the road (more details enclosed).
It is clearly a dangerous section of the A35 as evidenced by the many skid marks which appear regularly on various parts of the road. New skid marks appear on an almost daily basis.
The school children, village residents, Parish Council, County Council, School Transports Appeals Committee and police all agree that there should be a lower speed limit.
I urge you to do whatever is necessary to introduce a speed limit of 30mph as soon as possible and to make sure that this limit is enforced. To not do so will, I fear, result in serious crashes, serious injuries and possibly fatalities.
Would you please advise me as to when a slower speed limit will be introduced.
Enclosed are more detailed reasons for a reduced speed limit.
Reasons for a reduced speed limit on the A35 through Kilmington?
Turning onto and off the A35 is dangerous
This part of the A35, approximately 800 metres long, has at least 18 entry points directly onto the road. There are 7 side roads joining it, 6 driveways to and from private houses, 5 entrances to and from businesses and 4 bus stopping points (see map attached for details). These entry points are divided into two areas. The majority being close to the crossroad of the A35 with Whitford Road covering approximately 300 meters and the second being close to the junction with Hill Crest.
Turning into and exiting from these entry points is simply dangerous.
The turnings, in the main, are sharp and all without slip roads and so vehicles turning left off the A35, and those turning right across the oncoming carriageway, have to slow down to a stop or almost to a stop, which means that traffic following behind have to slow down too. There have been many close calls when following vehicles, travelling at 60mph or more, simply do not appreciate that a car in front has had to slow down so much.
Likewise it is very difficult for vehicles to join the A35 when coming out of the side roads, driveways or businesses. In many cases the sight lines are poor and/or of limited range due to the contours of the land and the proximity of buildings to the road. This often results in traffic which is travelling at 60mph unexpectedly having to brake hard to hopefully avoid hitting an emerging vehicle. The stopping distance for a car travelling at 60mph is 73 meters For a heavy lorry travelling at the same speed (which they do but should not) the stopping distance must be significantly longer.
Frequency of joining and crossing the A35
The bulk of the village (population approx 800) lies to the south of the A35 and so the majority of residents have to cross the A35 to do their shopping either in the local farm shop or in Axminster, both of which are north of the road. Similarly anyone visiting the businesses on the A35 have to first join the road and then have to turn off it.
Children and young people crossing the A35
Children and young people living in Kilmington attending school or college in Axminster have to cross the road at times when the traffic is usually heavy and often, during the winter, when it is dark. It is difficult enough in a car to cross the road: it is infinitely more difficult and dangerous to do so on foot. (It scares me just to walk by the side of the road, let alone cross it).
Local Buses
Buses serving the local community and beyond stop at various points along this stretch of road. Some stops have lay-
Neighbouring speed limits
The immediate neighbouring villages along the A35 (Wilmington and Raymonds Hill) both have speed limits in place so it is illogical that one should not be in place in Kilmington. Indeed as they, and many other villages along the road, have reduced speed limits it is hard to understand what reasons there are for there being no limit in Kilmington! Traffic has to slow down to go through our neighbouring villages so a limit through Kilmington would have little, if any, detrimental effect to the general flow of traffic.
Copies of this letter were sent to:
The Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP, Minister of State for Transport
Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Tom Harris MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State
Hugo Swire MP for East Devon
Giles Chichester MEP for South West of England
Cllr. Ian Chubb, East Devon District Council
Cllr. Douglas Hull, East Devon District Council
Jenny Heathman, Kilmington A35 Action Group
Roger Stribling Highways Agency (sent an additional letter advising that the number of houses with driveways opening directly on to the A35 will probably be increasing as planning permission has been granted for 3 new houses and permission is being sought for a fourth. These are all close to the junction of the A35 with Whitford Road. This would bring the number of houses with driveway directly on to the A35 up to 10, although 2 of these houses would replace the garage.)
Replies to the above letter:-
Roger Stribling of the Highways Agency -
"I note your comments about the new buildings that have been granted planning permission. I will liaise with my colleagues in Network Strategy to confirm if the application has been granted permission.
I will also pass your correspondence to our consultants for their information."
Cliff Baston of the Highways Agency -
"I am aware of the anxiety felt by the residents of Kilmington over the question of road safety on the A35. To this end we are undertaking a more detailed study of this section of the route which should give us the information we need to make judgements on the most appropriate measures to take. A speed limit will form part of our considerations. Once complete we will then be discussing the study findings with the police."
View from Axminster - 30th October 2007 Minor works in hand to improve A35 at Kilmington
Pulmans Weekly News- 24 October 2007 Residents urged to pen letters in A35 slower traffic bid
Letter sent to Devon County Council by Cliff Baston of the Highways Agency and given to Councillor Douglas Hull 26th October 2007
"A301A35 EXETER TO BERE REGIS
TRAFFIC SPEEDS THROUGH KILMINGTON
Thank you for your letter of 8 October 2007, expressing the County Councils’ concerns about safety on the A35 at Kilmington.
Let me assure you that I am aware of issues at play in Kilmington. We are doing all we can to look further into what can be done building on earlier work. A more detailed study of this highway link is underway which should provide us with a better understanding of what is needed.
In the mean time a number of minor improvements concerned with footway and bus stop alterations will be undertaken this financial year.
Cliff Baston
Department’s Representative, A30/A35
Area 1
Email: cliff.baston@highways.gsi.gov.uk"
TRAFFIC SPEEDS THROUGH KILMINGTON
Thank you for your letter of 8 October 2007, expressing the County Councils’ concerns about safety on the A35 at Kilmington.
Let me assure you that I am aware of issues at play in Kilmington. We are doing all we can to look further into what can be done building on earlier work. A more detailed study of this highway link is underway which should provide us with a better understanding of what is needed.
In the mean time a number of minor improvements concerned with footway and bus stop alterations will be undertaken this financial year.
Cliff Baston
Department’s Representative, A30/A35
Area 1
Email: cliff.baston@highways.gsi.gov.uk"
Post-script - November 2007
A35 Update
At the last meeting on 18 October Councillors Ian Chubb and Douglas Hull reported on progress. There is strong support for speed restrictions on the A35 through Kilmington from local, county and national politicians. Following the recent site visit (see Parish Council report) a Traffic Management Survey will be conducted by the Highways Agency. It is feared that this may be a protracted process and the Action Group has been asked to consider conducting its own traffic census and the possibility of some form of peaceful protest. Already over 400 people have signed the petition calling for speed restrictions.
A further meeting will be held in the Old Inn on Thursday, 15th November at 7.00pm
At the last meeting on 18 October Councillors Ian Chubb and Douglas Hull reported on progress. There is strong support for speed restrictions on the A35 through Kilmington from local, county and national politicians. Following the recent site visit (see Parish Council report) a Traffic Management Survey will be conducted by the Highways Agency. It is feared that this may be a protracted process and the Action Group has been asked to consider conducting its own traffic census and the possibility of some form of peaceful protest. Already over 400 people have signed the petition calling for speed restrictions.
A further meeting will be held in the Old Inn on Thursday, 15th November at 7.00pm
Please could Kilmington residents write letters in support of traffic calming/speed restrictions to:
Mr. M. Hornbrook, Highways Agency, South West Area 2, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6HA Please send a copy to Jenny Heathman, 12 Hill Crest, Kilmington, EX13 7RY
Pulmans Weekly News- 3 October 2007 First Step on A35 Speed Kill Journey
Midweek Herald- 3 October 2007 Agency to discuss A35
View from Axminster - 2 October 2007 A35 speed limit comes step closer
26 September 2007
Mr. M. Hornbrook, Highways Agency, South West Area 2, Temple Quay House, 2, The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6HA Please send a copy to Jenny Heathman, 12 Hill Crest, Kilmington, EX13 7RY
Pulmans Weekly News-
Midweek Herald-
View from Axminster -
26 September 2007
A35 Speed concerns through Kilmington
East Devon Highways & Traffic Orders Committee - Traffic Calming, Kilmington
At its meeting on 17 September 2007, and in response to concerns expressed by the local member and the Parish Council about the safety of the road following a recent decision of the School Transports Appeals Committeee that the A35 was too dangerous to cross, the East Devon HATOC resolved "that the Executive be asked to urge the Highways Agency to consider options for reducing the speed of traffic on the A35 through Kilmington and provide a safe crossing for pedestrians."
This was discussed on Tuesday 25th September at Devon County Council Executive Meeting. The archived meeting can be viewed here. The item appears at the end of the meeting at 3.21.00 on the time bar. Councillor Douglas Hull makes a plea for traffic calming and another supportive councillor says "Kilmington is Devon's Chiddock" with reference to Chiddock in Dorset having speed cameras at either end of the village.
View from Axminster - 25 September 2007 Bid to Kill Speed on A35
Post-script - October 2007
The A35 at Kilmington.
An open meeting was held in the Old Inn on 20th September to discuss villagers' concerns regarding vehicle speeds on the A35 at Kilmington.
Ian Chubb, the District Councillor, attended the meeting and he has promised to investigate the possibility of installing speed restrictions and to report back on his findings. Both our MP and MEP have expressed interest in the subject and have asked to be kept informed of developments. The Axminster Community Liaison Policeman also attended the meeting and has given his full support to the campaign, voicing the opinion that there is an urgent need for speed restrictions through Kilmington. It was proposed that a petition was organised and arrangements are in hand for this to be available for signature at the Old Inn, Hurfords Stores and Miller's Farm Shop. The next meeting is planned for 18th October at 7pm in the Old Inn. Post-script will keep readers informed of all developments.
East Devon Highways & Traffic Orders Committee -
At its meeting on 17 September 2007, and in response to concerns expressed by the local member and the Parish Council about the safety of the road following a recent decision of the School Transports Appeals Committeee that the A35 was too dangerous to cross, the East Devon HATOC resolved "that the Executive be asked to urge the Highways Agency to consider options for reducing the speed of traffic on the A35 through Kilmington and provide a safe crossing for pedestrians."
This was discussed on Tuesday 25th September at Devon County Council Executive Meeting. The archived meeting can be viewed here. The item appears at the end of the meeting at 3.21.00 on the time bar. Councillor Douglas Hull makes a plea for traffic calming and another supportive councillor says "Kilmington is Devon's Chiddock" with reference to Chiddock in Dorset having speed cameras at either end of the village.
View from Axminster -
Post-
The A35 at Kilmington.
An open meeting was held in the Old Inn on 20th September to discuss villagers' concerns regarding vehicle speeds on the A35 at Kilmington.
Ian Chubb, the District Councillor, attended the meeting and he has promised to investigate the possibility of installing speed restrictions and to report back on his findings. Both our MP and MEP have expressed interest in the subject and have asked to be kept informed of developments. The Axminster Community Liaison Policeman also attended the meeting and has given his full support to the campaign, voicing the opinion that there is an urgent need for speed restrictions through Kilmington. It was proposed that a petition was organised and arrangements are in hand for this to be available for signature at the Old Inn, Hurfords Stores and Miller's Farm Shop. The next meeting is planned for 18th October at 7pm in the Old Inn. Post-
See the plans for improvements to the A35 through Kilmington as reported by the Highways Agency at the Annual Parish Meeting on 23rd April 2009
Click here
Click here
Safety on the A35
The Highways Agency has finally agreed (at the Annual Parish Meeting in April 2009) to make certain safety improvements to the A35 through the village, including reducing the speed limit.
It should be noted that as recently as January this year the Highways Agency stated categorically that they would not be changing the speed limit on the A35. It was only following a considerable amount of research that the Parish Plan Implementation Committee was able to successfully challenge the findings of a report, which had been provided to the Highways Agency by their consultants, that led directly to them conceding that the speed limit had to be reduced.
While the proposed improvements to the A35 do not satisfy all of our concerns, as it will still be difficult and dangerous to cross and join the road, they are a step in the right direction after years of frustration and considerable effort by a large number of people in the village. The Committee, on behalf of the Parish Council, is nevertheless keen to ensure that the improvements are put in place as soon as possible and are therefore liaising with the Highways Agency and seeking to “monitor” progress. Before work can start there are a number of formal processes that the Highways Agency must complete including consulting with “interested parties” such as freight transport bodies, police etc. Although no problems are anticipated we cannot be certain that the proposals will be sanctioned until this process has been completed. We will keep you informed as to progress. Once the improvements have been made we will review the safety issues again and if necessary press for additional improvements including a further reduction in the speed limit and possibly a controlled crossing.
ROAD SAFETY ON A35 - COME AND JOIN OUR PROTEST
Following very little feedback on the A35 action plan and seemingly no progress, a growing number of Kilmington parents are planning a protest against the speed limit or lack of one through our village (as suggested at the meeting held Aug 2006). We firmly believe it is our right to have a speed limit in force. We also feel we should legally have a speed restriction at the School crossing from Millers Farm Shop to the Whitford Road . This is actually used by school children daily. We also feel for our children negotiating the narrow footpath from the War Memorial to the Old Inn with 30 ton juggernauts and the like hurtling along at 60+ mph. The safe stopping distance for a laden heavy lorry is immense.
We also are deeply concerned for our elderly folk & children crossing the A35 at several points, namely, Hill Crest for the bus, The Old Inn for the bus and farm shop and just to enjoy a stroll into Axminster. We could not consider our children making this journey without supervision even the older ones. The road has become so busy and lethal. That is not to mention the growing number of motor cyclists that use it as a regular chicken run. You have all heard the Grand prix sound effects!.
Serious accidents seem to be now a weekly occurrence. We are told that some years ago a Highways official was quoted as saying " Well no one has died yet" - to him we say "run that past us again!". Wilmington got their speed restrictions through direct protest.
To this end we are planning a meeting on September 20th in the Old Inn at 7.00pm. We are also planning a protest march along the A35 through our village boundary early in October. The press, highways agencies government and local council have all been approached.
We hope together we can force a 30 mph speed limit through our beautiful village.
Mike Jones
17 September 2007