A CAMPAIGN group in Tuckton are calling for action to protect residents from speeding traffic.

Members of the Residents Against Traffic Speed, or RATS, group say that residents of Brightlands Avenue have lost patience with drivers who ignore the speed limit and are calling on BCP Council to take further action.

Following a plea last year by residents to check traffic speed, BCP Council revealed in a survey that, within a 10-day period, nearly 25 per cent of traffic sped along Brightlands Avenue at over 30mph.

However, the RATS group claim that the survey, which took place in November 2019, plays down the problem as it was undertaken during one of the quietest times of the year, with traffic flow well below the seasonal peak flow of the summer.

RATS Chair Chris Fereday said: “The road is seen as a short cut during the rush hour, and a car park for Tuckton tourists.

“There have been some near misses along this road. Quite frankly we’ve really had enough.

“We’re pleased that the council are listening, and their completed survey shows we do have a problem.

“Although 25 per cent of traffic speeding in the quiet November weeks may not seem excessive, that becomes a frightening number of speeding cars during the peak summer months.”

However, BCP Council have said that, whilst another study carried out in the same year showed “a small percentage” of commuters driving above the speed limit, most drivers were moving at or below 28mph.

A spokesperson said: “Following a meeting with residents in 2019, the council is working through a process to introduce parking restrictions at the junction of Brightlands Avenue and Broadway to help keep the sightlines clear.

“Surveys carried out in 2019 over a three-week period show that most traffic was travelling at or below 28mph in Brightlands Avenue.

“As the speed limit is 30mph, the council is not proposing to take measures to reduce speed further.

“A small percentage of drivers were exceeding 30mph and as always the council would encourage all drivers to consider the implications of their actions, drive at an appropriate speed within the speed limit for a particular road and ensure they drive safely at all times.”