Derek Deedman

After many years of fighting for more waiting restrictions in Charlton Street it looks as though the residents long wait is nearly over.

Letters have been delivered to local residents this week to give them a chance to comment by 21 March on the proposed waiting restrictions before the start of the formal public consultation on the plans.

The extra waiting restrictions at the White Horse Square end of Charlton Street are intended to reduce traffic congestion. This is currently caused by increased traffic generally, and by the large vehicles servicing the rear access of the Somerfield Store. In particular the new restrictions are designed to stop the damage to front walls caused by vehicles try to pass each other in the very narrow road made narrower by parked cars.

Other elements of the proposed waiting restrictions are designed to overcome visibility problems at the junction of Mill Road and Sir Georges Place and at the High Street/Horsham Road corner. In addition parking will be banned outside the Police Station for improved security and to keep the entrance free for emergency vehicles.

The Traffic Regulation Order proposed for these waiting restrictions is to be welcomed. The last time an attempt was made to improve the situation at White Horse Square end of Charlton Street it failed due to a technicality. It has taken more campaigning by local people, Derek Deedman and the Parish Council to get to this stage, and it is hoped that the latest plans will be approved in short time and implemented in the near future.