SAFER ROADS AND COMMUNITIES FROM POLITE WORDS

Jerome Simpson, Szentendre, Hungary

2009-2012

Tel: +36 26 504 039/504

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A Local Problem - Before

These two photos were made in ‘Summer street’ around 2008 or 2009. Summer street is practically the only exit for a residential area consisting of around 500 block apartments The local pharmacy on the right hand side corner of the two photos receives many visitors, especially in the early morning, ranging from the ubiquitous white van to young parents, typically straight after a visit to the doctor’s surgery When spoken with, the pharmacy (reluctantly) agreed there is a problem and that accidents have occurred from customers illegally parking on the corners of ‘Summer’ and ‘Eagle’ streets. Parking specifically creates problems for those exiting/entering Summer street because one can not ‘see’ around the corner. Furthermore because the pharmacy is on the crest of a hill, drivers on Eagle st. use considerable gas and those not stopping typically race past, adding to the danger

Summer street

Eagle street

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The ‘Solution’

In 2009 and 2011, a letter was sent twice to the local authority – on both occasions in Hungarian It called for a variety of solutions ranging from law enforcement to a traffic mirror and speed bumps on Eagle st. The second mail (actually a reply to a missive about resurfacing) won a reply: “The mirror and speed bumps are not safe, enforcement is not possible, a Committee would look into the problem..”

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After

In May 2012, yellow lines appear painted on the intersection, while parking spaces are now clearly marked along Summer St. It’s too early to tell whether the result has made a significant difference to the parking problem and ‘micro-congestion’ However, the yellow lines for will act as a disincentive to parking on the corner. That should help make the corner less prone to accidents and thus safer

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Conclusion

Writing a letter to your local authority can make a difference Perseverence is key. It may be necessary to resend your letter Replying to a ‘public’ letter from the authority certainly helped It helps to bring on board all possible allies – in this case the ‘house rep’ who was in copy of the second mailing