South Wales Evening Post - 23 January 2007
A Swansea action group has pleaded with council bosses to reduce speeding on their streets.
Residents say enough still isn't being done to slow down drivers in their area.
One protest group is already up and running in the city's Manselton area. Now another is also forging ahead with its ideas to curb speeds.
The local campaign follows the death of seven-year-old schoolgirl Vicky Clement in May 2005.
A 20mph speed restriction - the first in the city - has already been placed on roads surrounding Manselton Primary School. But it does not extend to nearby Manselton Road. Locals say they plan to mount a growing campaign to force further safety action.
Manselton Road resident Ceri Thomas has organised a petition being forwarded to Swansea Council, along with plans outlining potential traffic-calming measures. He is working alongside Manselton Area Road Safety Group, also pushing for action.
Mr Thomas said the new 20mph speed restriction was a step forward but did not go far enough because it missed out Manselton Road.
He said: "We want to see more signs of calming traffic, but we also want to look at the whole picture.
"This is not just about moving traffic - we need to look at pedestrians and parked cars."
One of the group's proposals is a mini- roundabout at the busy Elgin Street junction.
Locals say they want to see more action from council experts.
"We are feeling increasingly frustrated. It feels like it's them against us. But it is vitally important we keep moving forward to make the street safer for everyone, especially children and the elderly."
A spokesman for Swansea Council said: "The council believes the traffic-calming scheme implemented has greatly improved the safety of pedestrians in Manselton, especially near local schools, where the 20mph speed limits have been introduced.
"Although the speed limit along Manselton Road remains 30mph, physical measures are being introduced, including built-out bus stops and pedestrian refuges. These will help slow down traffic along this particular road.
"The council is also working with the police and safety camera partnership which is actively deploying mobile speed cameras along the route.
"The council has recently spoken to residents living on Manselton Road who have stated they are happy with the new scheme.
"Local ward members are also satisfied with the changes that have been made."
