A SERIOUS accident is inevitable unless steps are taken to address the traffic problems in Redhouse Way, councillors claim.

Last week the Blunsdon St. Andrew Parish Council wrote to St. Andrews ward councillors to offer their assistance in finding a solution to what one councillor described as ‘a massive problem’.

The letter read: “We, the parish councillors of Blunsdon St. Andrew, wish to call attention to a serious and growing traffic problem in Redhouse. Parishioners have brought this to our attention and we support their view that despite many meetings and discussions over the years, Redhouse remains unsafe.

“We are deeply concerned about the safety risks posed to pedestrians and traffic by the parking situation on Redhouse Way.”

This is a long running saga, going back more than five years, in which concerns over the amount of cars parked along Redhouse Way have caused residents to demand action. However, there has so far been an impasse because a solution cannot be agreed.

Councillor Andrew James said: “The parking issues in the Redhouse area are horrendous and they are only going to get worse unless something is done. When you drive down Redhouse Way you have to be very careful; weaving through the traffic to try to avoid a collision. The damage to parked cars is inevitable.

“I’m a huge advocate of the buses and my thoughts are with the drivers because it must be awful for them.”

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson, who has worked closely with residents to try to find a solution, believes there are three options available – making Redhouse Way one-way, reducing the footpath and widening the road, or placing double yellow lines along with passing points and posts to block pavement parking.

Preferring the latter, Mr Tomlinson said: “Whenever there has been a consultation or a public meeting, each of the options have secured roughly 25 per cent support and 25 percent absolute opposition.

“On a few key places on Redhouse Way we should create passing points, perhaps reducing the pavement in front of the blocks of flats. Alternatively, a few passing areas could be created with double yellow lines. We should also put black bollards up to prevent the cars fully parking on the pavements.

“I believe these wouldn’t be overly expensive changes to help improve both the safety, but also the appearance of the area.”

Coun Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for sustainability, highways, and transport, said: “Everyone appreciates that Redhouse Way has become narrow due to parked cars, but it is in essence a safe road.

“Over the last six years, one accident took place which appears to be as a result of the parking situation along Redhouse Way. There was a further slight accident involving a car and pedestrian at the junction of Redhouse Way with Milgrove Street, but in this case the pedestrian reportedly ran into the road and had failed to look properly before crossing.

“The Council continues to work with ward councillors to ensure road safety schemes are appropriately implemented in the area.”