Traffic Issues

TRAFFIC ISSUES

Background

Crantock is a beautiful village with beaches of world renown and outstanding quality which draws tourists from all over the world. As a result, the village attracts a large volume of road traffic throughout the summer months. Further, the village will see a considerable increase in housing over the next few years as developments take place at Pentire Green (30) and Halwyn (59). The volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic using both main routes, and through, the village will increase. The summer influx and increased local traffic, taken together, raise a number of concerns that include:

· Speeding

· Halwyn junction concerns

· Parking (both private and commercial)

· Congestion as a result of the beach car-parks reaching saturation

This paper describes these issues and potential solutions.

Speeding

The two roads leading onto the village, from Cubert and Newquay, have narrow sections, that are effectively single-carriageway, and corners with poor visibility.

It would be wrong to single out any specific group of road users as offenders but recently there has been a surge in private cars and large agricultural vehicles that disregard the road warning signs that include those relating to the National speed-limits for built-up areas. This is a village-wide issue, b ut of particular concern along the West Pentire Road. From the junction of Halwyn Hill, the road is straight until the junction with Gustory Road, which is about ¼ mile in length. The road runs through a residential area where there are no pavements or footpaths. At the junction with St Carantoc Way, the road narrows to the point where two cars cannot pass without one vehicle yielding right-of-way. School children, old people and other pedestrians use the road for access to the village amenities. The maximum speed of vehicles using West Pentire Road has been variously estimated at 40mph to 60mph, both by day and night. Efforts were made to set up a speed watch in conjunction with the police but to no avail. There has been no accident to date but the potential for calamity exists and it is only a matter of time before somebody’s luck runs out.

Whilst West Pentire is specifically identified, there have been reports of people driving at inappropriate speeds on Vosporth Hill, Beach Road and through the main centre of the village. It has also been noted that adjoining parishes within the Perranporth & St Agnes Community Network Area are also experiencing increasing incidence of speeding.

Halwyn Hill/Road Junction

At the top of Halwyn Hill there is a junction with Halwyn Road that is also close to the Trevowah Road junction. Further, the roads narrow immediately after the junctions with corners with restricted visibility. There is no warning of the junctions where drivers tend to keep to the centre of the road on the blind side of the corner, very often confronting vehicles coming from the opposite direction. Large commercial vehicles such as buses, delivery vehicles etc. take the whole width of the road. To date there has not been an accident, fatal or otherwise, but the fact remains that there is a potential for a tragedy.

Parking

There is very limited parking within the village and, during the summer period (June – Sept), parking on the roadside is heavily restricted. There are many times where people ignore the parking restrictions with the resulting obstruction to traffic flow, particularly for large vehicles such as buses. Commercial vehicles delivering to the Post Office Stores contributes to restricted traffic flow through the village.

Beach Road Congestion

During the summer, the beach car-parks can be full by 10:30am. This causes a “tail-back” into the village that can extend as far as the Village Hall. Because of the narrowness of Beach Road, it is often extremely difficult for vehicles to turn-around and return to the village to find alternative parking at West Pentire.

Proposals & Options

A consultation with Highway Authorities is necessary to see what can be done to address these four principal concerns. A complete survey of the village traffic flows would be of positive benefit for future consideration. The following suggestions are offered for consideration:

Speeding

Extend the 30mph speed limit beyond present range to give motorists time to readjust their speeds
Introduce a 20mph speed limit in the village
Repeater signs advising motorists that the 30mph speed limit in is force throughout the village.
Portable illuminating speed limit warning signs to be employed.

Halwyn Hill/Road Junction

Hazard warning signs at Halwyn Hill junction
Cross hatching warning motorists not to proceed unless the junction is clear.
Change the priorities to reduce vehicle speeds at the Halwyn Hill/Road and Trevowah Road/West Pentire Road.

Beach Road Congestion

A more rapid control system is required to prevent too many vehicles entering Beach Road when the beach car-parks are nearing saturation. Further, there is an opportunity for the village hall to raise money (already done) from car-parking on their grounds.

I have endeavoured to point out the problems that exist within Crantock and move we can, with members of the Parish Council, meet at some stage and discuss the issues.

S G Robinson

Crantock PC

29 April 2016