Walking on the safe side in Eton

Eton residents can look forward to "walking on the safer side" following Royal Borough approval for a series of road safety measures for the town.

The programme is being co-ordinated by the borough's road safety team in partnership with the police and Eton Town Council. Many of the measures are being introduced as the result of a petition of 172 signatures approved by cabinet in December and originally submitted by Cllr Liam Maxwell to council in September.

The safety measures – scheduled for completion in the coming months - feature:
· four speed tables to replace the existing speed hump in Eton High Street to help reduce excessive speeding. The first two tables will be installed during the February half-term (February 18 – 22), with the next two during spring and summer.
· the stop line on the southbound carriageway of Slough Road will be moved back to enable long vehicles to turn left from Keates Lane and right into Keates Lane to improve safety for pedestrians and motorists.
· Improved traffic measures for Pococks Lane include:
1) the proposed installation of a pedestrian crossing to create a safe off-road route for pedestrians and cyclists from Eton Town to the Thames Valley Athletics Centre and then to Datchet 
2) changes to the layout of Slough Road/Pococks Lane roundabout to reduce accidents, particularly involving cyclists (for completion by March 2008)
3) double white lines along Pococks Lane to deter overtaking (for completion in February)
4) new road surface and signs to alert motorists to the speed limit on the approach to Datchet
5) moving several traffic signs to more practical locations (to be completed in February).

A feasibility study will also be conducted into proposals for a cycle route between Slough and Eton along the Slough Road footway, with the results of the study available in June 2008.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways, transport and the environment, said: "We have listened to the voices of local residents and have responded positively to concerns.

"We have been very concerned about the number of accidents in Pococks Lane and we hope these new measures will have a positive impact.

"I have seen a number of serious accidents on this particular road, and I would like to remind drivers that country lanes should be treated with more respect and care.  We should all drive accordingly and slow down on country lanes, as there might be a horse or a young family crossing the road which you might not be able to see easily.

"We are confident that these new measures will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and motorists in Eton without causing disruption in the area."

Cllr Liam Maxwell, ward councillor for Eton, said: "I am delighted that by working with local partners we have been able to introduce these safety schemes within current budgetary limits."

For further information about these schemes contact Ben Smith, group manager, highways services, on 01628 796147.