Council's Green Light For College Crossing

The second safety move has been proposed by the school, which called for a 30mph speed limit along Station Road, Waltham.

The safety moves follow concern about congestion around the Toll Bar roundabout, which they dubbed "The Magic Roundabout" because of parents going round and round it.

Parish council clerk Kathy Nunn told members she met with North East Lincolnshire Council highways officer Dave Poucher to discuss road safety on the route to the school.

His design engineers are studying options for the site of the new crossing. The clerk said: "The council wants a crossing of some kind. It will be signed and lit."

She said officers were seeking to balance the safety of children with the high volume of traffic heading into Grimsby from the A16 and using the Toll Bar roundabout.

Louth Road resident Ernie Land, 66, said residents had dubbed the junction "The Magic Roundabout" because of the number of parents taking children going round and around the roundabout.

He said many had parked inconsiderately on double yellow lines and across his driveway. He said: "It is totally horrendous. They should hand out some parking tickets."

Parish council chairman Roger Breed said: "We have been discussing this problem for 15 years.

"I can't understand how the authorities have let this situation get so bad. The school has taken more and more students and there is more traffic, but the roads have not altered. We hope nothing happens to a child, but it will one day because of the volume of traffic."

Ward councillor John Fenty said North East Lincolnshire Council would take over parking enforcement later this year and anyone parking illegally would face a fine.

He said he would push for a sign to be erected, warning motorists of the parking restrictions. Letters have been sent to New Waltham residents, reminding them of the restrictions.

Toll Bar associate principal David Riden said: "The issue is the volume of traffic. It is not parents in cars causing the problem, it is other road users. These are busy arterial roads and we are straddled by Waltham and New Waltham. That has led to more people travelling by car.

"We are delighted with the recommendation for a crossing."

Mr Riden said the school was also recommending a 30mph speed limit along the whole of Station Road, Waltham, which is currently 40mph outside the school and 60mph further along.

He said: "That would enhance the safety of students and members of the community."

Article from The Grimsby Telegraph - Saturday January 9th 2010

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