Village campaigners say thankyou after speeding-traffic victory

MP Caroline Flint (third right) joins, from left, Coun Martin Greenhalgh, farmer Richard Spencer, businessman Arnold Pawson, Coun John Parkes, chairman of Braithwell Parish Council, and Coun Nigel Cannings to say thankyou for the 40mph speed limit.

Caroline Flint, MP for Don Valley, led the safety campaign, which was backed by local businessmen, farmers, police officers and councillors.

Now, after monitoring speeds, Doncaster Council’s highways department has agreed to introduce a new 40mph speed limit along Ashton Lane and through the village. New signs and road markings have been installed to slow vehicles down.

Mrs Flint said: “This may seem to some people like a small victory, but speeding traffic has been a great concern to residents in Braithwell, especially long narrow lanes. This speed limit has already been shown to slow traffic down.

“On this occasion, it was the community that put its foot down, not the speedsters, and together, we have put a brake on speeding traffic through this quiet, beautiful village.”

The MP reserved particular praise for businessman Arnold Pawson “for his determination to get this changed”, and Insp Mark Payling, of the police.

A UNIFIED front was key to the success of the campaign to reduce speeding traffic in Braithwell.

A petition was signed by almost 300 villagers and a joint letter to the council was signed not only by MP Caroline Flint but also by local businessman Arnold Pawson, local farmer Richard Spencer, Insp Mark Payling, of the police, and Braithwell parish councillors, Couns John Parkes, Martin Greenhalgh and Nigel Cannings.

Mrs Flint said: “I am grateful to every resident who signed the petition.” Mr Pawson said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the campaign, and thank Mrs Flint for her support and guidance.”