RESIDENTS in Earlsdon are calling on Coventry City Council and the police to take action against speeding traffic, dangerous driving and suspected street racing which are impacting on their daily lives.
An open letter – created by people living in Hartington Crescent – has already amassed more than 130 signatures and residents are organising a community speedwatch group with the police.
Campaigners say one area which needs targeting is where Beechwood Avenue meets Hartington Crescent where drivers fail to notice or ignore the mini-roundabout, do not give way and drive over it at speed.
They claim vehicles cutting corners at the T-junction between Hartington Crescent and Arden Street has made the area a high crash risk.
And they say they have seen plenty of dangerous driving along Beechwood Avenue, near Hearsall Golf Club where vehicles pull out to overtake cyclists on the double bend which puts motorists on the wrong side of the road and into the path of oncoming traffic.
Clare McArthur, one of the campaigners, said a speeding driver drove deliberately around the block to pass her again and spat directly at her.
“I had several conversations with friends and neighbours and found they had similar unpleasant experiences and were also concerned about the dangerous driving going on in the area.
“Our concerns are not recent ones – poor driving behaviour in the area has been apparent for years but the situation appears to be worsening.”
Ms McArthur spoke to Coun Becky Gittins during a doorstep surgery and the councillor put her in touch with police traffic liaison officers.
The open letter will be submitted at a public meeting on the issues on November 19 at St Barbara’s Church in Earlsdon which will be attended by Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police representatives.
Ms McArthur added: “We are aware it is not just here – its symptomatic of a wider problem but the additional element here is very deliberate street racing with some cars driving at high speed and lapping around the same roads in the local area, particularly late at night.”
Anyone wanting to get in touch with Ms McArthur to find out more, attend the meeting, add their signature or be part of the campaign can email us at [email protected] and we will put them in touch.
