Alderton Road Safety Group is set up after fatal accident
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Gloucestershire Echo
VILLAGERS in Alderton have reacted to the tragic death of Julie Stodart-Cook by forming their own action group.
Alderton Road Safety Group has been created following last month's public meeting to discuss highway issues in the village.
That came in the aftermath of the fatal accident on May 26 when Julie's car left the B4077 and crashed into the forecourt of Alderton Garage – killing the 43-year-old teacher and seriously injuring two workers.
There had already been concern in the village about the road, with locals saying speeding traffic had led to numerous near misses.
Now a handful of residents have formed the group in a bid to see what can be done to improve safety.
Keith Page, one of its members and also chairman of the parish council, said: "We've had three meetings of the group itself and one with some of the official people.
"We have met with Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, the police and Gloucestershire Highways and there are lots of positive ideas coming out of the group, including lines and signing, speed limits and village gateways.
"These are taking time to come together but the road safety aspects are moving forward positively. Our group wants to make the road safer for all users."
The speed limit on the B4077 is 60mph and Mr Page said that, ultimately, he felt villagers would want it lowered.
Residents, he said, often found it very dangerous when driving into or out of the village from the fast-flowing main road.
He added that getting the speed limit changed could be a long process, but other safety measures might be implemented more quickly. They include creating a gateway effect for the village, through signs and floral displays, so drivers realise they're going through a village.
Garry Handley, of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, said: "We would like to thank Alderton Road Safety Group for their positive approach in working with us and for their willingness to all work together.
"We hope to do all we can to jointly improve road safety for the local community and for the users of the B4077.
"We have already completed a CCTV survey, which we are in the process of reporting back on, and police speed enforcement vans have been out at the site too."
The Echo reported last week that the family-run Alderton Garage had fully re-opened after new petrol pumps were installed.
However, boss Mark Greening said his main thoughts were with Julie's family and friends, plus two of the garage's workers who were injured in the incident.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Gloucestershire Echo
VILLAGERS in Alderton have reacted to the tragic death of Julie Stodart-Cook by forming their own action group.
Alderton Road Safety Group has been created following last month's public meeting to discuss highway issues in the village.
That came in the aftermath of the fatal accident on May 26 when Julie's car left the B4077 and crashed into the forecourt of Alderton Garage – killing the 43-year-old teacher and seriously injuring two workers.
There had already been concern in the village about the road, with locals saying speeding traffic had led to numerous near misses.
Now a handful of residents have formed the group in a bid to see what can be done to improve safety.
Keith Page, one of its members and also chairman of the parish council, said: "We've had three meetings of the group itself and one with some of the official people.
"We have met with Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, the police and Gloucestershire Highways and there are lots of positive ideas coming out of the group, including lines and signing, speed limits and village gateways.
"These are taking time to come together but the road safety aspects are moving forward positively. Our group wants to make the road safer for all users."
The speed limit on the B4077 is 60mph and Mr Page said that, ultimately, he felt villagers would want it lowered.
Residents, he said, often found it very dangerous when driving into or out of the village from the fast-flowing main road.
He added that getting the speed limit changed could be a long process, but other safety measures might be implemented more quickly. They include creating a gateway effect for the village, through signs and floral displays, so drivers realise they're going through a village.
Garry Handley, of the Gloucestershire Road Safety Partnership, said: "We would like to thank Alderton Road Safety Group for their positive approach in working with us and for their willingness to all work together.
"We hope to do all we can to jointly improve road safety for the local community and for the users of the B4077.
"We have already completed a CCTV survey, which we are in the process of reporting back on, and police speed enforcement vans have been out at the site too."
The Echo reported last week that the family-run Alderton Garage had fully re-opened after new petrol pumps were installed.
However, boss Mark Greening said his main thoughts were with Julie's family and friends, plus two of the garage's workers who were injured in the incident.