A507 between Meppershall and Campton

Someone from the council left a voice message without a contact number stating that they would ring again and follow up my report.

They did not follow up. They did not leave a contact name or number.

The A505 was closed one evening shortly after my report because of an accident caused by dangerous speeding and inconsiderate overtaking. This road is a death trap.

09/11/09. Only yesterday morning [08/11/09]I spoke to Reg Webb of the Campton and Chicksands parish council. I infered from his commments that the parish council and the local constabulary are of similar mind to me in so far that a traffic light or a more restrictive speed limit is required at this junction and stretch of the A507. This evening another accident has taken place involving 2/3 vehicles. I received an email from the council regarding my original post on this site - basically quoting the regulations as jusification for not installing a traffic light or restricing speeds to 40 miles per hour through out this stretch of the A507. The rules are fine - Hide behind them if you must but it begs the question ;- Does someone actually have to die before the council closes the rule book and opens its mind?

Do as I did and write to this guy he is the lead officer responsible for working with Central Beds and good too.

Neil Wilson Superintendent District Commander Central Bedfordshire J Division Ampthill Police Station neil.wilson@Bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk

Paul, I spoke to the officer attending the incident on 09:11:09 who was most emphatic that this was a Highways issue under the jurisdiction of the council not the constabulary. I am surprised that the council has allowed this situation to continue - “as is”. After their new buildings became occupied on the Chicksands estate they very quickly erected the “Motorways” standard directional chevron barriers [since removed] on the roundabout outside their offices and the “motorways” standard lighting along the A507 from their plot through to the roundabout on the junction of A507 and A600. Since that time the view across the Campton Glebe towards the plantation has become so bright at night time - I am surprised that none of easyJet’s airbuses have mistaken that stretch of the A507 for Luton Airport’s runway. [This is an A road across the top segment of Bedfordshire’s “scenic route” - a rural and semi rural environment – not an urban clearway]. I seriously question many of the judgements made by this council. It’s clear that the plan for the A507 did not seriously take into consideration the previously existing routes and speed limits used by the original settlements in the area. Now that the ex- military housing has been sold off – the area is much more busy in terms of domestic traffic which I feel has contributed to the higher frequency of accidents involving leaving, entering local routes and attempts to cross the A507. The council cannot be held responsible for the central government decision to route the A507 in the way it delivered. Perhaps, if no one dies and forces their hand on the speed limit enforcement – the under pass which links Greenway and Campton Road might be reinstated to carry local traffic. Personally, I think a stronger speed restriction policy and its subsequent implementation would be simpler and cheaper way to deal with this issue. Ultimately, the source of the problem is the drivers who do not even appear to observe the 60 mile per hour limit at any time whilst using the A507.

Believe me the leader of the Council Cllr Trisha Turner MBE advised me its the police you need to deal with Good Luck Paul