Traffic problem needs sorting
WHEN is someone going to pull their finger out and resolve the nightmare traffic congestion issues in Ventura Park?
Apart from the dedicated Ventura Park bus, other routes have been re-routed around the park due to the delayed service.
It is now so bad that, even at what should be quieter times of the day, a five-minute car journey turns into half an hour.
There are numerous ideas which would help, but being a motorist it is evident that the pedestrian crossings stay on red far longer than is necessary.
People cross over and the road is clear often for 30 seconds before traffic is permitted to start moving.
The new exit from Marks & Spencer has increased traffic volume around those crossings.
The main exits from the WH Smith and M&S sides are given equal priority with the main road through. This does not help the flow.
Living nearby I know that unless something is done Ventura will become a no-go for many people who travel miles to use this facility.
I have lived in Tamworth for nine years now and the problem has got significantly worse year-on-year. When is someone going to address it?
Kevin Greenfield, Fazeley. Via email.
3 Comments
by Jenny, the leys
Thursday, August 19 2010, 12:34PM
“Mr Greenfield, all very valid, and I totally agree that Ventura is a disgrace, but I must ask the question why do you (and so many others) need to take "a five-minute car journey [that]turns into half an hour."? Surely there lies the problem? If your chosen destination is that close could you not consider an alternative route, or mode of transport, or even walk (if you are able bodied) If you are heading into the retail park to make a purchase, perhaps consider an alternative place to shop, like supporting our independent traders in the town centre and villages? it may cost you a few pence more but compare that to how much fuel you waste sitting in queue's, and there is a lot more satisfaction from putting your hard earned money into our local community, and better for our environment if you walk or get on your bike. What I'm really saying is, if people were to boycott the retail park, and helped our struggling independent traders to flourish, surely everybody wins? I'm sure the Asda's & Homebases of this world would cope.”
by bryan, tamworth
Sunday, August 15 2010, 2:23PM
“It certainly makes an already overloaded road system worse by allowing the destruction of green areas, by enormous housing and commercial estates. The town and surrounding areas are rapidly becoming a nightmare on wheels.
If Tamworth council Planners, have little or no say in what goes on, what are they employed for?
Anyone who has lived here for more than 50 years are fully aware of what planners and councillors have done to the town over that period.
Mr.Greenfield asks * when is someone going to address it?* Well, he himself, as with many people over the decades have addressed this and other matters in the same way. With few exceptions, as with Cllr. Cooke, nobody seems to care what ordinary citizens wish for.”
by Cllr Chris Cooke, Glascote
Sunday, August 15 2010, 2:00PM
“Couldn't agree more! The Ventura Park traffic scheme has been something of a disaster - and it's going to get worse!
There's a new commercial estate planned for the South side of the A5 off the slip road to Ventura Park. There will be an entrance to the new estate off the slip road at a planned newly created island junction on the slip road. BUT any traffic heading for the new estate coming from the East on the A5 will have to come off their slip road, up to and around the Ventura traffic Island, before returning back to the new island. And homeward and outward going traffic from the new estate will have to do the same.
This of course is planning madness - but try telling that to the County Highways who approve such schemes. I expect Highways will ask for some "section 106 agreement" money from developers of the new estate to "help with road improvements" - As if that will make it all OK. But their improvements, like humps and cycle lanes no doubt, are more liable to make things worse rather than better!
Unfortunately Highways are the people who Tamworth Council Planners are required to take notice of on this issue - and not the likes of thee or me Mr Greenfield. :-(”