Amersham residents respond to traffic measures

Plans to introduce new traffic restrictions at an accident hotspot in Amersham have prompted a mixed response from residents.

Buckinghamshire Council is proposing a series of safety improvements along the A4154 Woodside Road and Plantation Road.

Between 2018 and 2022, there were eight recorded collisions along the 1.4km stretch between the Raans Road roundabout and the junction with Sycamore Road.

Council officials said a significant proportion of the incidents involved “vulnerable” road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Woodside Road is a busy urban road linking Amersham and Chesham. It passes through residential neighbourhoods, near schools, a leisure centre, and provides one of the main approaches to the train station.

The road carries around 9,900 vehicles a day, with an average speed of 29mph, although data shows that the fastest 15 per cent of drivers exceed 34.5mph.

Under the new plans, a raised zebra crossing would be installed near 193 Woodside Road, while the existing crossing outside number 88 would be upgraded to a raised controlled crossing.

At the junction of Plantation Road and Woodside Road, a flat-topped hump with an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing is also proposed.

Residents living along Woodside Road said the changes were long overdue, citing speeding traffic and concerns for children walking to nearby schools.

One resident said: “This road is a very busy and at times fast traffic passing along it. This is extremely unsafe for children using the pedestrian pathways when going to and from school.”

Another added: “It’s an incredibly busy and fast road, and feels very unsafe to cross. Anything that will slow traffic and make crossing safer for everyone will be welcomed.”

However, some residents raised concerns about the location of the new crossings and changes to parking restrictions.

A Woodside Road resident said: “This crossing is unnecessary at this location. It will not serve the majority of pedestrians on Woodside Road who are users of Woodside School and the allotments.

“The proposals will do little or anything to reduce the high speeds of vehicles travelling along Woodside Road.”

The scheme also includes changes to parking restrictions, with the removal of certain single and double yellow lines to improve visibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians.

However, new “No Waiting at Any Time” restrictions would be introduced at key points near the junction of Plantation Road and Woodside Road.

In 2023 Acre Wood Nursery School in Woodside Road, Amersham was badly damaged after a Mercedes crashed into one of their classrooms.

The decision is due to be taken by the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for transport on February 6, following the consultation.