Traffic congestion &
noise pollution
The dramatic increase in the number of articulated lorries traveling to and from the Kingsferry Wharf will lead to significant disruption and noise-related concerns for both the local community and the environment. There are local rumours of up-to 40 articulated lorries per day!
The very steep hill on Stather Road (with a 1 in 10 slope), very tight corners, and minimal width in the church area area pose massive difficulties for these lorries. These challenging road conditions will increase the risk to local residents and increase noise levels beyond recognition.
why is this a concern?
Steep hills (1 in 10 slope):
The presence of a very steep hill with a 1 in 10 slope in the vicinity of Kingsferry Wharf presents a daunting challenge for articulated lorries. Climbing such steep gradients will strain the engines and brakes of these heavy vehicles. Descending such slopes can be equally challenging, as it requires careful control to prevent runaway vehicles. These conditions also increase noise levels due to the effort required from lorry engines and their braking systems.
Tight Corners:
Navigating the tight corners around the Church area and onto the High Street becomes a significant challenge for articulated lorries but even more so for the local residents who are travelling to and from their homes in road cars.
The area’s tight corners can make it difficult for these large vehicles to make turns safely and efficiently. This can result in traffic congestion, delays, and increased noise as lorries struggle to negotiate the corners.
Probably the scariest risk is Burton Stather’s school children and pedestrians who have to walk on very narrow pavements and will have to run the gauntlet of many passing lorries!
Minimal width:
The narrow width of the roads in the vicinity of the wharf further compounds the challenges for articulated lorries. Limited space can make it challenging for lorries to pass one another, causing delays and increased noise as they navigate the narrow roads.
Risk to local residents:
Local residents living along these challenging routes are at risk due to the difficulties faced by articulated lorries. The combination of steep hills, tight corners, and minimal width can lead to accidents and hazardous situations. Lorries may struggle to maintain control, especially on descents, potentially endangering pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists sharing the road.
In conclusion:
In conclusion, while the dramatic increase in articulated lorries traveling to and from the Kingsferry Wharf already poses disruption and noise concerns, the added challenges of steep hills, tight corners, and minimal road width further compound these issues. Local residents are indeed at risk from these vehicles due to the complexities of navigating such terrain.
These Snapshots from Google Maps show the route a lorry will have to take to come into the Village and Kingsferry Wharf:
