“FINALLY, IT HAS ARRIVED”
For a number of months, we have lived in the hope that by the time readers have read our articles the mobile “Speed Indicator Device” (SID) will be up and running – well now it is! Following several technical issues, the unit arrived on Friday the 6th of August, was demonstrated to, and discussed with volunteers and Councillors from both Bramham and Clifford Parishes on Friday 13th August and was out on the street in the week beginning Monday 16th August. The traffic targeted initially has been that on both Bowcliffe and Clifford Roads and although at separate times traffic travelling in both directions.
The unit was jointly purchased by Bramham and Clifford Parishes so there will be periods when it is being used in Clifford and not visible within Bramham village itself and the turnaround time will either be fortnightly or monthly. How often the unit is deployed when we do have control depends to a certain extent on the number of residents willing to help oversee the unit and prevent it from being vandalised or whisked away, and also weather conditions .Under normal operating conditions there will be two persons tending the unit and ideally we would wish to see the unit deployed every day from 7.00am till 7.00pm, but residents do have private lives so unless more residents come forward (please send an email to Nancy Fairbairn, BPC Clerk: clerk@bramhamparishcouncil.gov.uk ) it will not be possible to saturate the roads around the village but rather utilise the unit on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The TMWG continues to work with Leeds City Council Highways to try to find more permanent solutions to the speeding problems but for the moment our most powerful tool is the SID, designed to make drivers aware of their speed and the speed limit which is in force. Providing the data of traffic speeds and volume will help support requests for action to LCC Highways and the Police.
Unfortunately LCC Highways have not yet erected the second static SID on the approach to the school, on Bramham Road, from the Clifford direction; the relevant departments are being pursued.
TMWG, Bramham cum Oglethorpe Parish Council.