Cllr Azam Janjua writes: Shinfield Road: Traffic Congestion On Thursday (3rd November) I spoke at a Traffic Management Advisory Panel (TMAP) meeting and asked councillors on the panel to consider reinstalling the mini roundabouts. Labour instigated, designed and approved the removal of the roundabouts As your local councillors I and my Church Ward colleague, Cllr Tim Harris, live very close to the Shinfield Road and rely on it. Not only do we know the traffic problems first-hand; we are working hard to ensure that your views are heard. In contrast both Cllrs Tony Page and Paul Woodward live miles away from the Shinfield Road. Last year we inherited Labour’s bad scheme. In December 2010 we commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) to do an independent review into what improvements could be made. As well as setting out recommended improvements, their September 2011 report highlighted that the traffic light junctions are no safer than mini roundabouts. At the same time as pursuing TRL’s recommended improvements to Labour’s flawed scheme, I and my Conservative colleagues want serious consideration given to putting back the roundabouts. After all, this is what the public wants! The bus stops can cause buses to overhang the junctions. The stops are too narrow so traffic is delayed. The traffic lights don’t work! At TMAP Conservatives asked for these problems to be solved, however a watered down recommendation was all that could be agreed with Labour councillors. The following recommendation will go to Cabinet on 28th November “to decide to investigate further:
- Linking timings on traffic signals to reduce queuing
- Improvements to the northbound right turn lane from Shinfield Road into Elm Road (road widening)
- Reviewing the use of cycle priority areas at traffic lights
- Investigate ways to dissuade drivers from driving over the footways
- Reviewing the use of box junctions”