MVAS on the way!

We’re all aware that some drivers don’t keep to the 30 mph limit in the village, indeed, some drive well above the speed limit at times.  Over the years, Stilton’s Speedwatch team have measured vehicle speeds in several parts of the village and we’ve used the data collected to show that more traffic calming measures are needed.  The Parish Council has used the information in bids to Cambridgeshire County Council’s Local Highways Improvement (LHI) scheme that funds road safety measures across the region each year.  For 2020-21 our bid was successful and the Moveable Vehicle Activated Sign (MVAS) that we announced last year will be with us soon.

We shall be placing the MVAS in various places around the village where we’ve observed speeding vehicles, moving it from time to time to cover North Street, High Street and Church Street. The equipment will measure the speed of approaching vehicles and display this to the driver together with a warning if they are travelling too fast.  The equipment will also record the speed of all vehicles travelling both towards and away from the MVAS and so we shall have a record of speeds of all passing vehicles.  This information will help us to decide if further calming measures are needed and help us make further bids to the County.

The Parish Council’s LHI bid for 2021-22 has already been submitted and we are awaiting the outcome.  The MVAS will help remind us all of the 30 mph speed limit in the village and how important it is to keep our speeds low. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) points out that a pedestrian hit at 30 mph has a 93% chance of survival, but at 40 mph this falls to a little over 60%!  Unfortunately, Speedwatch has recorded many vehicles travelling faster than 40 mph in the village.

We know that there are a number of traffic issues in Stilton, some can be addressed through LHI funding but major changes require action by the County Council. Parking and road safety in the centre of the village is of particular concern and the Parish Council is organizing a working party with our District and County Councillors to look at the problems and see what can be done.

Speedwatch has been important for Stilton, to help calm traffic speeds during Speedwatch sessions, to raise awareness of speeding issues and to provide information to aid bids for calming measures. At the time of writing, due to COVID restrictions, Speedwatch is not operating.  However, as restrictions are lifted we shall be able to start our regular activities again. We’re always looking for more volunteers so, if you are interested in joining the Speedwatch team, please contact Keith Bull, Stilton’s Speedwatch Coordinator, at .