COUNCILLORS have backed calls by a local business for road safety improvements on a busy route in Lichfield.
The Garden Village at The Plant Plot says a reduction in the speed limit on the A51 is needed due to the growth in traffic using the road.
The calls have now seen backing from councillors at both Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council.
David Rusholme, owner of The Plant Plot, said:
“With so many cars passing and a current outdated 60mph speed limit, traffic movement is proving dangerous at times and pedestrians are struggling to safely cross the road.”
The proposals would see pedestrian safety islands installed as well as a 40mph speed limit and road markings to slow and separate traffic.
Cllr Matthew Wallens, Reform UK representative for Lichfield City North at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“The current arrangements are a serious safety concern for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
“I’ll be working closely with the highways team to push for the vital road improvements needed and to ensure clear signage is added.”
The Garden Village and Plant Plot is now home to over 40 small businesses – and has plans to expand a new local small business unit park on surplus land.
Cllr Richard Holland, cabinet member for high streets and economic development at Lichfield District Council, said:
“The Garden Village is a real local success story, but now we need the road infrastructure to catch up with its success.
“Safer access means more people can enjoy what it has to offer and our local businesses can continue to grow.”
Cllr Paul Ray, Lib Dem representative for Chadsmead ward at the district council, said:
“In addition to adaptations to the road so that this is safer and easier for road users, improved pedestrian safety measures are also badly needed which will help link the Garden Village to the city centre.
Cllr Janet Higgins, Reform UK member for Lichfield Rural West, added:
“A delegation of local and county councillors recently met to hear concerns from both the business and local residents – it is important local businesses are encouraged to thrive.”
Yes go on dig up another of our roads and have traffic lights this side of Lichfield for a change ? Best investment I made was buying shares in traffic lights manufacturer! They’ve doubled in 12 months thanks to Lichfield council ? Cheers !,
Like a lot of roads around Lichfield? Stafford Road is a race track down to Morrisons island where drivers fail to realise it’s a give way and drive straight over the junction. I’m trying to get this junction changed to a Stop rather than give way…let’s see if it gets approved.
Why is it suddenly because new owners have bought the plant pot,and made it significantly bigger, they want to change the road speed,when you bought it you knew the speed of the road,what’s needed is when coming out of the carpark you are made to turn left,and go around the roundabout, because the problem arises when people get impatient and pull out into the traffic blocking traffic going towards the roundabout and bullying traffic going into Lichfield to stop to allow them to cross because they refuse to wait 5 minutes to exit where they wanted to go.
Patient takes no amount of time .
Absolute rubbish..I pass here almost every day and I have never had a problem with traffic !!
Well good luck with making it a 40MPH area, however some motorists can’t see the 20 MPH zone in Curborough Rd and surrounding roads.
I walk to and from the Plant Plot on a regular basis and trying to cross the road can be a nightmare due to speeding vehicles, with me sometimes having to take a risk.
Slowing cars for a further 1000 metres is not a big ask and putting in a central reservation would also help me and other customers get over to the site.
2 things I would like to to point out with regards to previous comments: firstly, there is not a new owner, the proposed sale didn’t happen, and secondly, there is no mention of traffic lights being put in, so unsure where “grumpy old man” got this information from 🤔
Pointless and unnecessary.
As a business owner at the Garden Centre, I’m really pleased this issue is being taken seriously.
Around 40% of my patients can’t reach me because of how difficult and unsafe the A51 is — especially those with mobility issues or who are elderly. There aren’t any nearby bus stops either, so it really limits access for people who don’t drive and need support the most.
Many of us set up here because the city centre rents are just too high for small businesses, but we still need safe and accessible roads so customers can actually get to us.
A reduced speed limit and proper safety measures would make such a huge difference for both local businesses and the community
This is very much needed. I use the road every day and have many drivers driving literally in my boot or overtake me dangerously.
Trying to cross the road is also a nightmare.
I for one think this is a fab idea I would also vote for speed cameras as many do over the current speed limit.
We might as well bad all cars and motor bikes and go back to pony and trap and then you would still get people moaning about the clip clopping and the droppings.
When is something going to be done about the speeding traffic on the A51 leading up to this site? It is 40mph limit but most drivers stick 2 fingers up to that and the average speed of most vehicles is far higher,either average speed cameras or the camera van on a regular basis- or are they waiting for a fatality before doing something?
The owner of the Plant Plot has been there for years, it’s not under new ownership. There needs to be safer pedestrian access along this road, not only for the garden centre, but for the bus stop. Utterly ridiculous that you get off the bus on to a 40mph/60mph road with no clear, safe pavement nor anywhere to cross. Trying to pull out of the garden centre also generally means taking your life in to your own hands. God forbid the speed limit was reduced from 60mph. Why are people so impatient?
I actually believe this proposal isn’t such a bad one, the only caveat being that reduced speed limits generally leads to future planning applications on adjacent greenfield sites.
I often walk to this site from The Friary School area. Crossing the road is a nightmare. The traffic travels so fast and its impossible to find a safe gap to cross both lanes. Drivers often take risks to squeeze past any vehicles turning right, just because they can’t be bothered to wait. I’ve witnessed cars mount the newly cleared pavement to get past vehicles waiting to turn right into the Garden Village. Surely safety is paramount here?
The Plant Plot is a lovely place to shop and have a coffee. I’d rather spend my money here than at the big chain stores. Improvements to Pedestrian access will make visiting there so much easier and safer.
And to Mr Grumpy…the family who own the site have owned the place for atleast 7 years…is this ‘new” in your eyes?
I think we should support these safety measures. If the businesses give up, it could end up being yet another housing estate….is that what we want ? Everyone will really complain then!