A4 Rowden Hill in Chippenham 'needs more speed checks'

Some of those living on the A4 Rowden Hill have claimed they face “danger” when pulling out onto the busy main road, caused by speeding motorists and a lack of visibility.

One resident, with the support of their neighbours, has now submitted a Highways Improvement Request asking for a number of changes to the A-road, as well as increasing the use of mobile speed cameras outside of rush hour to catch speeding drivers.

If approved, the scheme would see the shortening of the turn-right box into Charter Road and an extension of the nearby hatching.

More signage has also been requested to make it clear to motorists coming down the hill, towards the town centre, that there is a concealed exit and turnings with limited visibility.

The applicant said: “Turning right from our drive onto Rowden Hill is an accident waiting to happen as we can't see round the corner and assess oncoming traffic, and people often don't realise there's an exit there.

“Vehicles speed round the corner at 40mph plus, exacerbating the danger.”

The turning onto Charter Road from the A4 Rowden Hill (Image: Newsquest)

The improvement scheme was discussed by town councillors at a planning meeting on October 26, where members voted in favour of putting the request forward to the Chippenham Local Highways and Footpaths Improvement Group.

Councillors were also concerned similar issues would impact new residential properties on the site of a former derelict house.

Cllr David Poole said: “I sympathise with the applicant’s problem here… I can understand the problem they’re having which is made worse by the road markings.

“Rowden Hill is a very busy road and there are problems with speeding on the road… I can see the dangers there and fully support the applicant’s dilemma.”

Cllr John Scragg, who lives in the area and told the committee he was familiar with the issue, also spoke in favour of the request.

He added that cutting back vegetation on the side of the road could also be a solution.

The turning onto Charter Road from the A4 Rowden Hill (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “I’m very familiar with this site… it’s certainly something a traffic engineer should look at to see how they would resolve the problem.

“If somebody could cut back the vegetation at the side of the road I think that would help a lot.”

The request has now been submitted to the Chippenham LHFIG, which will decide if any further action is taken.