New Village Speed Signs Approved
The Parish Council has very limited powers over traffic in Thorpe on the Hill, but councillors were aware that excessive traffic and speeding vehicles had become a major concern for many parishioners.
The speed monitoring group held more than ninety-five one-hour sessions. Most drivers did slow down once they spotted the monitoring teams but, as soon as the teams packed away, they tended to revert to their old, bad habits.
In order to encourage drivers to reduce their speeds 24/7, in 2020, the Parish Council agreed to purchase and install three new radar activated speed signs that tell drivers precisely how fast they are going, and whether they are exceeding the limits for that location. The devices also capture data about vehicle speeds, times, and dates. One sign was installed on Fosse Lane. It replaced a sign which simply flashed 30 mph, if a motorist was exceeding the speed limit, without any message or advice.
Another sign was located at the top of Middle Lane to warn drivers entering the village from Pennell’s roundabout, because the access road to Brindley Close has introduced extra hazards.
The third sign is used on Station Road. Two posts were installed, one opposite the Railway pub for vehicles coming from Whisby, and the other close to the Eagle Lane cross-roads to warn drivers coming down Station Road hill. The sign can be swapped between these two posts. All the signs are solar powered.
EVOLIS signs were selected. They are endorsed by Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP).
Direct observation of traffic, and evaluations of the data the signs collect led to the conclusion the signs were effective in slowing down traffic but more might be needed. An additonal sign in Fosse Lane was suggested and a new sign in Eagle Lane. The positioning of the Station Road sign was considered too close to the level crossing. The Parish Council agreed in November 2021 to conduct a survey to gauge support for extra signs.
The survey revealed considerable Parishioner support for the proposals, and in January 2022 the Parish Council agreed to two new speed signs and the re-positioning of one of the Station Road posts.
The new signs have now been placed in Fosse Lane, at the village exit pointing back towards the church, and at the village entrance in Eagle Lane, pointing towards Eagle.