First Frost and we’re cracking up…

How do Gnomies?

I’ve been a bit quiet on the gnome front -but only because I’ve been out and about, taking my gnome selfies and checking up on the state of the district’s roads and pathways. There’s so much going on at the moment, and with the nights getting earlier and the mornin’s getting later, we’ve got a lot to think about this winter.

Recently a new local resident’s online forum was set up in Takeley and Canfield -you can find it on Facebook by clicking the link here. A brilliant question was posed by a resident, and it bears thinking about for all of us;

I’m wondering if there’s anything we can do to prevent HGV’s using the B1256 as a shortcut from Birchanger roundabout to the ARC quarry or worse the A120 Colchester bound? I never understand why drivers decide to take the Takeley route when the A120 gets them there much quicker and more direct! Many of them break the speed limit in the 30 mph zones then hold everyone up in the 60 mph zones. Not to mention that it’s a B road. I accept where access to developer sites is required. But even the Edwards Waste management site has a sign telling drivers to turn right and head for the A120. I’d like to see a weight limit imposed through Takeley and stop this unnecessary traffic. Something that’s been on my mind for a number of years but it seems to be getting worse!

Winter’s approach brings with it the annual freeze-and-thaw stress to our roads. Should a traffic strategy for the district think carefully about where we should direct our HGV’s to even the load? Share your thoughts and let us know!