Gainsborough: The Belt Road is ‘more like a racetrack than a countryside road’

In a letter to the Standard one concerned resident has written: “It’s about time that something is done with regards to The Belt Road speed limit now that the surface has just been relaid.”

“It’s more like a speed freaks’ racetrack than a countryside B road.”

“Walkers, dog walkers and cyclists have always used this road but it’s getting too dangerous to use.”

“With the building of a new school on The Avenue, this will add traffic to the Belt Road.”

“Anyone who uses Lindrick Drive or the golf club/avenue junction will know that it’s very dangerous when turning or exiting these junctions.”

“We all hope that something is done about the speed limit before another accident happens.”

Area Highways manager from Lincs County Council, Steve Wiles, said: “The Belt Road is increasingly becoming a key outer route for Gainsborough’s traffic.”

“This is inevitable as pressure grows on other key junctions for traffic to pass through the town.”

“This has been recognised by LCC for some time now and has been identified in the Gainsborough Transport Strategy.”

“LCC has also investigated the possibility of enabling a shared use footway/cycleway to be constructed, unfortunately there is no funding available for such an scheme at this stage.”

“However, as part of the recent works, the adjacent landowners have cut back overhanging bushes and branches, providing better access to the verge for pedestrians.”

“Concerns raised about the speed of traffic are recognised and Highways will be monitoring this ongoing situation.”

“As regards the recent developments off the Belt Road, near the Golf Course entrance, Highways have maintained the position that any new residential access for the development needs to be off The Avenue, where the developer has provided a right turn junction which has been designed and constructed to high standards.”

“There continues to be issues with Lindrick Drive with regard to drivers having a clear view ahead, when they pull out.”

“The developer is responsible for constructing the junction to the agreed standard.”

“This has not currently been achieved but LCC is in discussions with the developer about these concerns.”