Shortcut speeders put lives at risk

9:57am Thursday 15th May 2008

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A LACK of parking spaces is forcing people to park on a busy road which is reducing visibility and putting children's lives at risk, according to a mother of four.

Katie Hall, 38, of Longfellow Green, Kidderminster, said about 30 residents were vying for room in a parking area which could only cater for about 12 cars.

She explained residents were forced to park on Tennyson Way, where drivers often drove at excessive speeds, using it as a shortcut from the Birmingham Road into Spennells.

She added there were many children on the estate who used that road to go to the nearby park in Borrington Road.

Mrs Hall said: "Children have to cross the road between parked cars and both the children and the drivers can't see what is happening. It is an accident waiting to happen. One of the children is going to get squashed. The road is like a rabbit warren at peak times with all the traffic."

She explained: "We saw a cat knocked over the other day. It is terrifying how fast people are driving.

"We don't want it to be one of the children next."

Mrs Hall said double yellow lines had been put in place at Ashdene Close but they were having little impact.

She added: "What they have done is pretty pointless. I am quite shocked at how specific they have been. It would have been far safer if they had put in a pelican crossing. "

June Sparks, 66, a retired nurse and neighbour, said: "It's a nightmare trying to cross the road. I'm very worried for myself. If there is a car coming I won't be able to move out of the way fast enough."

Liberal, Fran Oborski, a Worcestershire county councillor, said a survey would be carried out to establish exactly how many parking spaces were needed by residents.

She added: "The length of the double yellow lines was all the police would support. As councillors, we don't have any say in this. I would have liked more."

Mrs Oborski explained double yellow lines had been put in place because people were parking in a way that was causing a hazard for residents coming out of Ashdene Close.

She said what was needed was repeating 30 mile per hour flashing signs and for police to prosecute drivers for speeding in the area.