Residents in Littleover say that many of the suburb’s roads have become dangerous rat runs with commuters trying to avoid School Safe Haven Zones.
Problems in Manor Road, Hillsway, Normanton Lane and Shepherd Street were also highlighted during a residents’ meeting arranged by Derby North MP Amanda Solloway, who has pledged to conduct a road safety survey as a result of their concerns.
People living in the suburb say they are worried about roads being used as rat runs to avoid the School Safe Haven zone outside St Peter’s School, in Thornhill Road, while those living in flats and houses outside Derby High School for Girls, in Pastures Hill, complained about being blocked in by parked cars.
Other residents said they had been calling for the removal of the Manor Road right-turn junction next to Eastwood Drive for months, saying it forced drivers to play ‘Russian roulette’ and others called for traffic calming measures to be installed in South Avenue.
Several residents also called for the removal of temporary traffic lights on Pasture’s Hill roundabout saying they cause the roads to become gridlocked, despite ‘no discernible work’ being carried out.
The meeting, which was staged in Littleover Methodist Church, in Constable Drive, was chaired by Amanda and Shaun Bennett, director of property for Derby Homes and Councillor Jerry Pearce were also available to answer questions.
Among the other topics discussed were homelessness in the city and the lack of affordable housing while parking problems at the Royal Derby Hospital were described as ‘horrific’ since work started to create a new car park.
Amanda said: “Following the meeting, it was abundantly clear that traffic problems are causing a real headache in the Littleover area and I have promised residents that I will do all I can to help alleviate the issues.
“We will start with road safety surveys and I will also be following up with Derbyshire Police and Derby City Council to see what they have planned for these roads.
“Some residents have obviously been extremely worried about the safety of vehicle users and pedestrians for some time and, although I am obviously not directly responsible for roads, I am keen to get to the bottom of what can be done to ensure the lives of Littleover residents are improved.”
