SAFETY measures on an east Reading road could be changed after being branded dangerous – but residents are warned it could take some time.
To reduce motorists’ speeds, two years ago buildouts were added to Redlands Road near its junction with Allcroft Road.
Council data has shown it has worked, with the average speed reducing from 27.3mph in the road in 2018 to 25.95mph – a reduction of 1.35mph.
Neighbours say the buildouts are dangerous for cyclists, as only the one by Allcroft Road has a passing point for cyclists.
Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands) said: “It’s not the nicest place to travel on. It’s enraging for motorists and terrifying for cyclists.”
Reading Borough Council’s highways department is now looking at revising the buildouts, and residents have been warned there is currently no money for this scheme. The information was revealed by a council officer during a recent traffic management sub-committee meeting, held on June 14.
“There is still work to be done, there is still a bit of disagreement on what should change, there is still no identified funding,” the officer said.
Green councillors says they are pushing for the changes.
During the meeting, Cllr Rob White (Green, Park), the leader of the opposition, asked: “What funding streams would you envisage might be available for funding this as a priority, and what sort of timescale would you put on it, or would you just say ‘don’t know, and how long is a bit of string?”
The officer said: “Somewhere in between. There can be a number of sources, as for how long I don’t have that answer so I would not like to guess at this point but certainly that’s something that will be discussed and looked at internally.”
Officers said the buildouts would be prioritised for removal and possible replacement with alternative speed reduction measures once resources become available.
The traffic management sub-committee unanimously agreed that priority should be given to the revisions.
