‘It’s like a racetrack’- Villagers fed up with speeding problem
More than 80 per cent of Chideock locals said in an online poll that they want to see a speeding warning sign installed. Residents told the News they have major concerns about speeding motorists and HGVs passing through the village, which has a 30mph limit and are worried for the safety of pedestrians trying to cross the road. The online poll, which was carried out by Chideock Parish Council, asked if a new vehicle-activated speed sign should be installed in the heart of the village, which the A35 cuts directly through.
There is already one in the village but, according to the parish council, it is beyond repair. There are also speed cameras on both approaches to Chideock. A spokesperson for the parish council said: "As anyone living in the village will know, traffic through the heart of the village often exceeds the speed limit (even with the speed cameras either end of the village).
"There was once an additional deterrent in the form of a 'vehicle activated speed sign' to warn drivers when the exceeded the speed limit. However, this has been out of action for sometime and is beyond repair." After polling local opinions, just over 80 per cent of residents said they would like to see a new sign installed.
Marilyn Tuck, an 81-year-old resident who lives on Main Street with her Chideock-born husband Michael, told the News: "There's definitely a problem with speeding. That's what it's like living on a main road. As soon as people see the speed camera they slow down, but then they just speed up again- it's like a racetrack.
"The worst part is that most of these cottages have no foundations so when big lorries go through at speed the place shakes, pictures go wonky and you can feel the vibrations. It can be quite something during the night too. "My husband was born here - we know that surveys have been carried out for 50 years but nothing has been done.
"I think it would be a good idea to put a crossing in." Steven and Marion Warburton have lived in the village since 2003 and Mr Warburton was a former member of the village's speed watch campaign. Mrs Warburton said: "It's a real concern.
People speed through here. Particularly in summer. It can be dangerous to cross the road too.
"My main concern is giant HGVs going through the village at ridiculous speeds." Another resident along the A35 who wished to remain anonymous said: "It's a major artery to Devon and Cornwall but it's still the width of a country lane. There should be more signs telling drivers to be more considerate.
This is a country village and people should treat it as such." Jonathan Hill, National Highways' A35 Route Manager, said: "A mandatory 30mph speed restriction is currently in place with speed cameras at either end of the village. As part of a wider safety study running across Devon and Dorset, Chideock has also been identified as one of the villages along the A35 to benefit from the installation of average speed cameras.
"The scheme includes average speed cameras, new and improved signage and road markings and will improve safety for traffic and communities along the A35.
"Delivery of the scheme is dependent on our government funding allocation, and in the meantime we continue to work with our police and local authority partners and are actively engaging with and keeping communities informed along the A35 route."
Chideock Parish Council has been approached for comment.