THE initiative of the county council to recognise at last, that there are major traffic issues in Flackwell Heath should be applauded.
Having been a resident of the Straight Bit for almost 50 years, I have seen, first hand, the incessant build up of traffic flows through the village over the last 30 years, particularly during peak traffic hours of 07:00 10:00 and 15:30 18:30.
Expectations were high that the proposed scheme would be for the benefit of the whole community. Sadly, it did not turn out to be the case.
The proposals were for a partial fix, that addressed the east and west ends of the village, but did nothing for those who live in between.
The main thrust of the proposal was for the installation of nine speed ramps at the west end and three at the east end, either side of pinch points, a mini roundabout at the Tower Garage plus some realignment of junctions.
It should be noted that the proposed pinch point at the east end actually obstructed three driveways it would have been prudent for the council to have physically checked that the proposal was workable before they displayed it.
No benefit would be derived from the plan by those living on the Straight Bit, between the proposed pinch points this stretch is about half a mile in length and includes a major traffic feed from Chapman Lane.
In fact, the proposal, if it went ahead, would make the traffic situation worse. Motorists frustrated at having been delayed by queuing at the pinch points, would try to make up time in this section. The experience during the recent cable-laying exercise is an example of what we could expect.
On discussion with the council representatives present, the cost of the scheme was put at £150,000, but there would probably be only £100,000 available to spend.
When questioned about the cost of speed ramps, it emerged that these are around £500 each. £100,000 this would enable 200 such ramps to be installed.
This seems a much better use of the money available. Ramps could be installed throughout the village for the benefit of the whole community, possibly in combination with mini-roundabouts at some, if not all, of the junctions through the village.
What we need is a pragmatic solution for the benefit of the whole community in Flackwell Heath.
John Gibson
Straight Bit
Flackwell Heath
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