Missed the point

There are no traffic problems in Upton, certainly not in terms of congestion. The only problem that exists here is a shameful lack of pedestrian crossings and traffic islands, which would cause cars shooting in from Tunnel Hill towards town to slow right down to a more humane speed.

Also, the funnel-shaped road outward bound of the town encites drivers to accelerate from the Co-Op and beyond. So many cars leave the town easily at over 45mph.

I live in the middle of town and I can hear regularly how drivers change into fourth gear past my house. If Upton were in France, there would be a pedestrian crossing every 100 yards to guarantee safety to the town's pedestrians and a peaceful life to those who live here.

I have been writing to the Highways Partnership, district and town councils about this for five years now, to no avail. They bluntly refuse a crossing or other traffic calming measures, whereas the village of Ryall sports four traffic islands, a 'no thoroughfare sign' and a speed-bump at either end of the village! When I mention this anomaly to councillors, they all go suspiciously quiet. (I don't think a pedestrian has ever been seen in Ryall).

Now, to the detriment of shopkeepers and us residents who recognise that parked cars there do have some traffic-calming effect, Halcrow wants to ban parking in Old Street.

T Drake, Old Street, Upton.