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Important Information For All Wilton Road Residents

Wilton Residents Association

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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 Dennehy’s 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 Council’s 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 – Dennehy’s Cross: The dangerous and illogical road markings at Dennehy’s 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 family’s 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.