'Horrendous' traffic danger fears on roadworks 'rat run'
Prolonged roadworks in a Herefordshire town are pushing more traffic onto nearby 'rat runs', making them even more dangerous, residents claim.
Gas infrastructure firm Cadent says its work to replace mains gas cables along the A44 Bargates in Leominster will go on until August 11.
With three-way traffic lights currently impeding traffic on the main westward route in and out of the town centre, more drivers are taking the Ginhall Lane and Green Lane route to the north – despite efforts to prevent this.
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'The traffic is horrendous, often queuing to the edge of town, and everyone is looking for shortcuts,' retired resident Rob Pledge said.
'There are signs up saying these roads are closed to through traffic, but everyone knows they aren't. Without enforcement, it's like the Wild West, especially during rush hour.'
The route is being used as a rat run by drivers trying to bypass nearby roadworks. (Image: ROB DAVIES)
Meanwhile drivers approaching along Ginhall Lane go from the national speed limit of 60 miles per hour to 30 shortly before the Green Lane junction, along a narrow stretch partly without pavements, he pointed out.
Cars can regularly be seen turning between the two streets in order to avoid Bargates altogether, though signs and the kerb layout indicate this is not allowed.
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A local couple John and Joanna Kingston, regularly walk their dog on this 'nice country lane'.
'But it's got an awful lot worse,' Mrs Kingston said. 'They go far too fast.'
'There was a proposal to put in CCTV at the junction put that hasn't happened,' Mr Kingston added.
Local town councillor Allan Williams said the road works have made an existing problem 'ten times worse', with residents' emails on the subject 'filling my inbox'.
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'The roadworks have to be done,' he said. 'But the roads would be less dangerous if people would just drive more sensibly.'
Police have made measurements of speeds on the affected roads at his request, he said, adding: 'A few tickets would deter people.'
A West Mercia Police road safety team spokesperson said: 'We are aware of the road safety concerns at this location and are working with our local policing team and Herefordshire Council to ensure we are doing all we can to improve road safety in this area.
'Motorists are reminded to drive at a safe, appropriate speed and adhere to road signage.'
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