MOTORING campaigners in Hyndburn have welcomed a pledge from the Conservative Party which says it is committed to stopping local councils using Traffic calming measures as an anti-car measure.

Conservative councillors who swept to power in Hyndburn earlier this year have already announced a review of the controversial road safety policy.

And a new policy document unveiled by shadow transport secretary John Redwood MP pledges the Conservatives:

Would not promote "environmentally unfriendly" traffic humps

Would make more responsible use of traffic calming measures, which should not obstruct through roads

Would introduce national guidelines to prevent local councils using traffic calming as an anti-car measure.

Mr Redwood said his party would support traffic calming measures only if it could be proved they would cut accidents.

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: " It would be sensible to look at some of the proposals which Mr Redwood is putting forward to see whether they apply to Hyndburn.

"I feel as if we are leaders in the field because we already have a review in place." The Conservative leader added: "I don't want to be drawn into this debate too much because traffic calming in Hyndburn is the subject of a wide-ranging review. I am not prepared to compromise the review's outcome."

Anthony Taylor, vice-president of the Lancashire Automobile Club, welcomed the Tory stance and said he believed some traffic calming measures in Hyndburn had been introduced as a knee-jerk reaction to accidents.

Mr Taylor, who runs a car-building business in Rishton, said some of the measures, including a scheme close to the canal bridge on Blackburn Road, Clayton-le-Moors, made roads more dangerous than they were before and had increased accidents.

But Labour leader Coun Ken Curtis argued: "Nine out of ten traffic calming schemes in Hyndburn have come about because residents have asked for them.

"I'm not saying that every scheme in the borough is perfect, but the schemes are there to save lives. There is a fine balance between saving lives and upsetting drivers."

Motorists in the borough have been urged to join in the debate on traffic calming as part of Hyndburn Council's review.

Independent Councillor Adrian Shurmer, who was elected in Great Harwood after raising concerns about traffic calming, said: "Our towns are dying because Hyndburn is not a pleasant place to drive through. People have a right to drive and their views should be respected."

Seven councillors, including Coun Shurmer, have been appointed to a review panel, and a public meeting will be held in the autumn when people can express their opinions.

Comments and suggestions about traffic calming in Hyndburn can be sent to: Coun Douglas Deakin, Traffic Management Working Group, Council Offices, Eagle Street, Accrington, BB5 1LN.

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