CALLS by residents for traffic calming on part of the Somerford Estate have been answered by council bosses who have agreed to set the ball rolling to install a scheme on Amethyst Road.

Following a petition by more than 240 residents living on the Christchurch estate, community services chiefs voted to assess what type of traffic calming measures could be used on the road and then consult with locals for their views.

The work will form part of £30,000 worth of local transport schemes also approved at the same meeting, but to be financed by the county council.

The schemes for the coming year include the installation of computerised real-time bus signs at eight Wilts and Dorset stops across the borough, work at Highcliffe Primary under the Safer Route to School initiative, and cycle tracks between Somerford roundabout and Castle Avenue, and Marlow Drive to Jumpers Road.

Members at the meeting also heard from ward councillors that residents in Somerford are concerned that speed humps could be chosen as the preferred calming measure.

"They do no want a load of speed humps all along Amethyst Road," said Grange ward councillor John Freeman.

"But there is a strong need for traffic calming of some type.

"There are some very dangerous parts on the estate, particularly in the area to the rear of the school and at the junction with Druitt Road."

Members also discussed their "wish list" of future local transport schemes for county chiefs to consider.

Bob Baker, highways design manager for the borough, said: "The ethos of the Local Transport Plan is to reduce dependence upon car-based transport by the provision and promotion of sustainable means of transport.

"Where this is not possible it seeks to reduce vehicle speeds to ensure a safer environment for all road users."

The 63 ideas on the "wish list" include traffic calming on Ringwood Road, additional pedestrian crossings in the High Street and reduced speed on the Stony Lane roundabout.

First published: February 1, 2006