Call for bollards to improve Shropshire street’s safety

A Ludlow resident is asking for bollards to be installed on a narrow street to prevent a serious accident from happening.

Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Shropshire Star’s free newsletter

Currently, traffic calming measures are in place on Bell Lane that links Mill Street to Broad Street.

However, a resident told Ludlow Town Council that they are not having the required effect.

“Although there are existing double yellow lines all along Bell Lane, vehicles ignore these almost daily,” he said.

“Examples are cars, vans and at times lorries parking on pavements, causing traffic to drive on the opposite side.

“And as the lane narrows towards Broad Street, this issue increases to all pedestrians as the vehicle uses the entire pavement.

“As our property is located at the end of Bell Lane towards the Broad Street junction at its most narrow, we have experienced many near-misses ourself.

“On a number of occasions, I have had to speak to the drivers of vehicles to prevent an accident or damage which could prove fatal.

“There have been many occasions where we have been abused. This has also happened when I’ve been on ladders outside my property, cleaning windows and carrying out minor maintenance.”

The resident added that vehicles also ignore the ‘no entry’ sign at the Broad Street end of Bell Lane.

“The current traffic calming measures in place are not adhered to and are not acceptable,” he said.

“I would like to request safety bollards, similar to those located around town, are installed to protect all pedestrians and properties, and no loading kerb markings are put in place on Bell Lane where the lane is at its narrowest before a pedestrian is injured or damage to property occurs.

“I have almost been struck by fast-moving vehicles due to other vehicles being parked in Bell Lane. It is only by pure luck that my wife or myself have not been severely injured or worse.

“Due to these issues, we have been unable to invest in our property due to all types of vehicles being so close to our property and front door.”