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election Leaflet

Important Information For All Wilton Road Residents






Wilton Residents Association

Find us on Facebook: Wilton Road Traffic Watch

Please post your thoughts on the traffic situation on Wilton Road


Fact Sheet re Traffic related problems in Wilton Area

1. Traffic Volume: Nearly 8 million vehicles, including a high percentage of
heavy goods vehicles traverse Wilton Road annually.

2. Excessive speed: According to Cork City Council speed survey in 2011,
nearly 1,000,000 (one million) vehicles break the speed limit annually
equivalent to nearly 3000 per day. Max speeds recorded were 85 to 90
Kph. These levels however are deemed acceptable by the City manager
and Council officials! We have obtained a copy of the CCC speed report
under Freedom of Information which confirms that that the
methodology and interpretation were seriously flawed because the
meseauring loops were positioned too close to Dennehys Cross (traffic
had slowed approaching the cross) therefore misrepresenting the true
situation. When these facts were presented by letter to the City
Manager Tim Lucey on 17/2/2014, he responded by saying he would not
respond in any detail because of the allegations made and the tone of
the letter. Local monitoring also shows that excessive speeding is much
higher outside of rush hours. A signed submission by nearly fifty
residents highlighting these problems was submitted to Mr Lucey and
Chief Superintendent Finn by Wilton residents in 2011. Chief
Superintendent Finn of An Garda Siochana in a letter dated 13/01/2012
stated that he was concerned at the level of non-compliance with the
speed limit on Wilton Road.

3. Noise: Cork City Council Noise Survey of 2008 clearly indicated noise
levels on Wilton Road are in excess of 75 dB. Local monitoring confirms
these levels and show recorded peak noise levels at 95dB. WHO studies
indicate that prolonged exposure to these noise levels are dangerous
especially to the health of children and elderly

4. Air Pollution: WHO studies indicate that pollution from high traffic
volumes as on Wilton Road can cause cancer and many respiratory and
other ailments. Again children and the elderly are most at risk. Noise and
pollution are exacerbated by excessive speeding.


5. Wilton Gardens Junction: Continuous efforts have been made over two
decades to get the Council to address the extremely dangerous junction
at Wilton Gardens. Detailed documentary and photographic evidence
have been presented to the Council and to the Gardai relating to the
numerous accidents, many serious, at this junction. Chief
Superintendent Finn highlighted his concerns in two letters dated
13/01/2012 and 9/8/2013 stating that the junction was clearly unsafe
and that he was keen that the road layout be reviewed. To date nothing
has been done to alleviate the situation despite our evidence and the
support of local politicians and the Gardai. The bus lane has increased
the danger substantially. The Councils proposed solution is to close the
right hand turn from Wilton Gardens which we have stated is
unworkable and impractical and another unnecessary imposition on
local residents in the interests of traffic flow.


6. Bus Lane: We have requested a copy the Consultants report justifying
the imposition of the bus lane under FOI from the Council. To date the
Council have failed to provide the report even though the deadline for
receipt was eight weeks ago. We believe that the bus lane on Wilton
Road is illegal because the roadway is too narrow to accommodate a
third lane and no provision was made for cyclists. Because of the
speeding, the traffic volume and the lack of sufficient space, cyclists
have been forced off the road onto the footpaths resulting in constant
confrontation and daily causing extreme danger to pedestrians and
residents. A number of incidents have already occurred. Vehicles trying
to overtake and avoid those cyclists who remain on the road have to
cross into the centre lane against oncoming traffic to avoid accidents
due to insufficient space. Entering and exiting our homes is extremely
hazardous due not alone to the speeding but the narrower lanes as well.
No survey was carried out beforehand to assess the full impact and the
dangers of the bus lane on residents, cyclists, pedestrians and road
users.


7. Road Marking Dennehys Cross: The dangerous and illogical road
markings at Dennehys Cross church are a cause of constant danger and
confusion leading to daily confrontation and road rage. A number of
crashes have occurred already as a result.

8. Wilton Roundabout: The absence of pedestrian crossings at Wilton
Roundabout, one of the busiest in the city, is extremely hazardous for
pedestrians trying to negotiate the various crossings against fast moving
traffic from several different directions. Controlled crossings were
included at the design stage but omitted by the Council for some reason
despite the dangers being highlighted over the years.

9. Local and European Elections: We believe that now is an opportune
time for all residents to get firm commitments from canvassing
politicians to ensure that authorities urgently address these serious
issues. We are looking for an early meeting with the new City Manager
to highlight again the ongoing serious problems affecting all residents in
the Wilton area. We will also be writing to the Minister for Transport,
the NRA. An Garda Siochana and the RSA, as well as all local politicians
seeking their assistance. We are calling for an independent review of the
Bus Lane, a resolution to the Wilton Gardens junction and a new speed
survey to be carried out by the council.

10. Property taxes and residents health and safety: The fact is that our
property taxes are funding Cork City Council policies that are injurious to
our familys health, safety and wellbeing. Unilateral decisions, without
consultation by the Council solely in the interests of traffic movement
are no longer acceptable.

We would welcome any new members to join the committee. For
further information contact John Leahy at 0872264451. For regular
updates please send your email address to leahyem@yahoo.co.uk. We
have also set up a Facebook page (Wilton Road Traffic Watch) and we
will be conducting an intensive media campaign.