Pinch Point
Posted by A Driver on Sunday, 6th June 2010, 18:26
I have just read the Councillor’s request for views on the Pallance Road pinch point.
I prefer to share my view with others and so will give it here in another post.
I use it daily and find it does not slow people down, in fact it makes some try to get through quicker.
But it’s not worth trying to get it moved as the Isle of Wight Council have had the same request for the stupid island in Tuttons Hill in Gurnard and have said they are not spending more money to remove it.
As far as the double yellows go, if some drivers were not so dangerous in the way they park we would not need them – but as long as night follows day, remove double yellows on corners and some will park right into the bends.
Hope this was of use.
A Driver.
47 Responses to “Pinch Point”
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Parish Council
Nothing will get done and the reason is that at this moment in time we have yet to see a fatal accident in this part of the village.
Its a shame we have to wait until the loss of a life but the men with the money need justification. If they spent the rest of our money like this I could see the logic, but they dont, have you seen our wage bill for the top earners at County Hall? No, well most people would be angry at what we pay to these top men, if they studied the figures. Value for money, I think not!
Taxpayer.
Yes DS………….I agree. Withyskinner
Saw a car parked ‘on’ yellow lines yesterday…….it was also half ‘on’ the pavement too…….I give up !!!
Not sure why the problem will go away when the house is finished, its not just the builders that park in the “legal” but stupid parking area.
Withy i think you were refering to my thread not the 1000 reasons why it wont be done thread, and if you were its down to the “parking heavys” to make a few bob and stop dangerous parking.
DS
Yep…………..that would work, so long as the ‘double yellows’ are respected………..particularly by builders !!!! Withyskinner
Once the new house is finished many of these problems with the pinch point will lessen anyway.
Regarding the (4cross) junction, a STOP line and signs at the top of Cockleton Lane may improve the junction rather than widening it.
A significant minority of drivers from Cockleton Lane merely slow down on the approach, and then due to limited visibility around the hedge commit to pulling on to Pallance Road without due consideration to traffic already on it which has priority. The vehicles from Cockleton Lane then frequently stop at the give way onto Nodes Road (to turn right), at an angle that obstructs any cars from turning left. (The road is sufficiently wide for two well positioned cars). By pushing in to the space beyond the ‘keep clear’ region, such emerging traffic causes the priority Pallance Road to brake more suddenly to avoid entering the ‘keep clear’ region.
Given the tight purse strings at the moment, it probably does not warrant immediate action, but maybe the councillors could keep a list, and then ensure that the PFI contact arrangements would allow improvements to be efficiently implemented at the time of more major works.
DS is spot on !!!!
All it needs is the removal of the parking area before and after the Pinch Point and a speed restriction of 20 Miles an hour. Thats a few more yellow lines a few 20s painted on the road and a bit of legal paper work. Inexpensive to do and will make the road a whole lot safer.
DS
“This has been suggested in the past but Highway Officers advised that having two traffic streams coming out into Nodes Road/Place Road on this tricky bend would not be a safe solution. However, it is worth another shot so why don’t supporters email kevin.burton@iow.gov.uk amd iain.thornton@iow.gov.uk with reasons why this would be a good solution.
Over to you! Roger Mazillius ”
Roger, I seem to remember you once saying that this was not a tricky bend – I believe it was when there were complaints about speeding in Nodes Road……make up your mind!
This has been suggested in the past but Highway Officers advised that having two traffic streams coming out into Nodes Raod/Place Road on this tricky bend would not be a safe solution. However, it is worth another shot so why don’t supporters email kevin.burton@iow.gov.uk amd iain.thornton@iow.gov.uk with reasons why this would be a good solution.
Over to you! Roger Mazillius
Ref the post from ‘Car Driver & Cyclist’
A brilliant solution, simple in its concept, easy to achieve and it would put an end to this running sore that is the Pallance Road to Wyatts Lane nightmare (at times)
I hope the person who has contributed this idea will take the trouble to commit it into a form of written word and perhaps an outline rough sketch to Cllr Clatworthy kclatworthy@googlemail.com or myself on cotterillgr@live.co.uk
The NPC would be greatful with their co-operation on this issue.
Thanks in advance,
Kind thoughts to all
Cllr Graham Cotterill Northwood.
Hey…………….I like that idea………..well thought out mate.
Withyskinner
I drove along there today and had to ‘swerve’ around a builders lorry parked just a few yards from the pinch point (legally !)Why did I swerve ?……because some idiot ignored the pinch point rules !!!
remove the pinch point serves no purpose but congests trafic in the rush hour,should be continous yellow lines down to Wyatts Lane.Open the juction on to main road so you have 2 outlets one to Newport and one to Cowes there is just a waste of pavement at the top
Daily car user and cyclist
Good on you Cllr. Clatworthy.
It could be one sad villager who is a Hunky, worried, ex speeder of a cab driver that pays Tax, now that would be a first.
I think most comments have been constructive and well made and I appreciate the local authority will only take note of concerns if they have a name in the frame.
I am sure that those that have used the Forum wish you success as this needs sorting out before we get an accident that hurts somebody.
Tax payer. (and no I don’t drive a taxi and I’m carefree and skinny)
In answer to Cabby’s question, I have only had a handful of replies, most of which echo the points being made here.
Whilst the forum may be peoples preferred method to air their views, I felt that the anonymity it provides may have prevented those in authority from taking the submissions seriously enough, after all, as far as they are concerned A Driver, Cabby, Hunky, ex speeder, Tax payer, Worried, etc, etc… may all be the same person! (not that I am for one moment suggesting they are, of course).
Also, we should consider that not all residents use computers and so it is important to open up the ability to comment to the widest possible audience.
I also applaud A. Driver for starting this thread as it has allowed the strength of feeling to be shared in an open forum and whilst I would prefer that people identify themselves, I also understand why some prefer to sit behind an alias.
Addionally, I would like to thank Cllr. Roger Mazillius for his valuable contributions in clarifying some points and bringing this matter to the attention of the Highways Department.
I think that we all agree that there are a number of issues that require addressing in Pallance Road and hopefully this may a useful step in the right direction.
Cllr Keith Clatworthy
I agree with your comments “cabby” but “worried” could have been a man. I make this point as its not just ladies that think this PP is dangerous.
Hunky.
Ok Roger on you asking Highways to read the Forum.
I don’t see a thread that complains of delays caused by the Pinch point! I have only read that most think that the pinch point encourages some people to speed up to get through first. The lady that nearly had a crash was not saying that the other car was a “road hog”, was she? It seems to me the main concern is the markings that are regularly covered by parked vehicles in that small but wrongly placed parking area which also throws you out on to the wrong side of the road just before the point. Technical Highways speak or not it can be seen daily if you park in the “parking area” and sit in your car it’s frightening.
Yes well done Councillor Clatworthy for raising it but also a big thank you to “A Driver” that started this 2nd Pinch Point post on the Forum, over 850 hits so far, I would love to know how many emails or letters have also been sent to the Councillor. I am sure others would be keen to know if the Forum is the preferred method of communication?
Cabby.
I have asked Highways to read all these comments to appreciate the strength of feelings on this subject. I will post their response as soon as I get it.
I expect however that it will relate to technical highway issues to explain the purpose and intent of the pinch point and surrounding yellow lines etc.
I have to respect trained Council Officers views and reasoning. I have little time for road hogs who quite frankly are really the reason why this feature has stirred up so much controversy.
I use Pallance Road regularly and have never had any difficulty using the pinch point. I agree that at rush hours there can be delays but there are delays everywhere during rush hours!
I am however very glad that Keith Clatworthy has raised the issue as it gives the Council the opportunity to deal with these concerns.
Best wishes, Cllr. Roger Mazillius
The thing with most car drivers young and old is if they have priority at a pinch point the little demon in the head tells them never ever give way to others even if you have to increase your speed to get through first.
This is fine and possibly legal in a court of law, but it can lead to a smash just to save seconds on the length of journey that most of us do, a few miles a day. Its not 80 miles a day to get to work each day that some do on the mainland but 5 or 10 for most of us. The island road are narrow enough now without these stupid obstructions.
Playing devils advocate and all that, but, why was the picnch point and pavement put in.
I know a previous poster stated that it was for pedestrian saftey, but in my 35 years as a Northwood resident I can never remember an incident where a pedestrian was injured in this short section of road (Wyatts Lane to Nodes Road).
I’m not saying don’t install a pavement becuase no one has been injured, and I know it is a lot safer to walk along this section these days.
We live in an age where we try and fix things for the sake of fixing them and it doesn’t always work out for the best.
Ref comments by ‘A Driver’
His remarks have some validity but what is required is a consensus view on the whole Pallance Road issue.
I still implore residents who have an view on what should be a way forward to contact Cllr Clatworthy (kclatworthy@googlemail.com), with their opinions and solutions, if any. When the matter returns to the Parish Council a decision will be made on how to progress the issue further.
This is the only way as I see it of producing sufficient clout to influence the IOW Council that they ought to take a fresh look at traffic management in the area of Pallance Road down to Wyatts Lane junction.
As ever Kind regards
Cllr Graham Cotterill
No my remark about “record for the future” was not about election time.
My point was if several people point out via this Forum to the elected representatives an accident waiting to happen, a record exists that they were made aware of the problem.
We can make a judgement if an incident occurs at a later date and decide if the advice we gave was ignored or all that could be done to prevent it was actually done.
I accept the power to get changes to any thing that is seen by some as “ticking all the boxes” is limited for Parish Councillors but they can make the relevant departments of County Hall aware of issues of concern as im sure people like you Councillor Cotterill will try to do.
A Driver
Just driven down from 4 cross and no cars are parked near it and it is much safer than when that parking space is used. Dont like yellow paint but its needed here.
Cabby.
It would work for a few days but why have old police vans and plastic policemen.
We have the real thing and its been said many times on this Forum catch and spot fine a few dozen on odd days for a week or so, word gets out and the speed drops.
ex speeder.
Regarding the remarks made by ‘A Driver’ on the issue of the Pinch Points in Pallance Road.
Yes he is perfectly correct when he alludes to the fact that ‘people who can influence change’ read the posts. Why shouldn’t they?
As Councillors it is our remit to seek to make the lives of our residents and the community at large a better and safer place in which to live.
To do this we need to keep an ‘open mind’ on many issues that come our way, some are not practicable nor acceptable to all parties.
Many are not permissible under our PC remit, others have restraints placed in their way by legislation.
At that point, the only way is to compromise any action that is judged a suitable solution, better some action than none at all?
Of course working this way never pleases everyone, but in my humble opinion better to have tried… than talked and done nothing.
What do residents think? Cllr Clatworthy is trying to untangle the years of discussions that have been held about the Pallance Road problem,
help him out on this one. What is needed is a ‘Consensus’ from all who are affected by the current status. The time has come I believe to put this matter to rest once and for all.
Contact Cllr Clatworthy…
I have no desire to denigrate the views of other posters, in fact I applaud them for having the spirit to say what’s on their mind. Long may they continue to keep their local and IOW Councillors on their toes.
Finally one last response to A Driver, implying you will ‘remember our actions’ when I assume elections come round, this type of remark doesn’t sit well when each and every one of us is doing the best we can.
Kind Regards
Cllr Graham Cotterill.
What I like about this Forum is when concerns are raised and ignored by the people that can influence change, and we all know they read them, we have a record for the future if required.
A Driver.
You are so right about the markings on the road. You cant see them if people park in the space provided and you enter the PP on the wrong side. Stupid waste of paint, stupid design. Do they not realise this when they come up with these ideas?
SD.
I didn’t mean they are right. Recession is terrible, dangerous pinch points are terrible, but local government now has to spend our, yes our money, on things that are needed and well designed, not produce potential death traps that cost tens of thousands of our hard earned money.
I think I could find a 25% cut in County Hall with out to much trouble.
Tax payer.
A slight hijacking of the original thread, but still related to speed and to Mr Trotters post.
Our local PCSO was visiting homes along Nodes Road last night and he parked his van at the entrance to Nodes Farm.
The speed reduction of cars travelling along our road was phenomenal, due to the fact it looked like a speed camera van!
I suggest buying a couple of ex-service Police vans and parking them in prominent places around Northwood. You get the benefits of cars slowing down (and the fact they are moveable to other locations), plus the bonus of a perceived Police pressence which can only serve to deter criminal activities.
A Correct statement it may be……………but that does not make it ‘right’ PAS
I have a feeling that we won’t get any more of these silly pinch points for a long, long time as our money is only going to be spent on things that people want and need. This is one of the few pluses of a recession, money has to be spent wisely and not wasted.
Tax Payer
To NPH (7TH June) Completely correct! Roger Mazillius
I agree with A Driver, the pinch point if anything serves to encourage some drivers to speed up at that point in the road, to try and beat the oncoming traffic. I live just down from there and find its only benefit is to move the traffic out into the middle of the road, giving us an additional second or two to see any vehicle coming up the hill too fast, before we cross or emerge onto the road.
K Holden
Worried, you are not the only one that’s had a car race you to the gap. These pinch points only work if they allow totally clear vision of the pinch point from both directions and the priority signs and give way road markings are easy to see by the drivers. Sorry that’s not the case for Pallance, or Baring road.
Tax Payer.
Dear ‘worried’
That was just one of many ‘incidents’ that occur near those stupid Pallance Road pinch points. Whoever organised their construction and whoever designed them need their heads banging together !!!! Withyskinner
Oh dear!
I nearly got a dent in my car today. It would have been my fault as I was on the wrong side of the road. The only trouble is I had no choice as just before the pinch point is a parking space and in the space was a lorry that was parking legally. I came down the road and went out around the lorry but the car coming up the hill thought I was trying to force my way through and not give way, so they increased their speed and I had to swerve back in and break to give way.
As I live here I know the pinch point and the give way markings that are on the road, but a car driver that is new to this area will not see these give way markings that are hidden by the cars or other large vehicles parked immediately in front of them.
Who comes up with these potential death traps? Baring Road has pinch points on the bends that are also an accident waiting to happen.
Worried.
Its not just Northwood that has a problem with yellow lines. Take a look at http://www.gurnardpc.com an interesting post has gone on their independant web site with threads that echo some of our views.
Are we ever going to get this right?
I like the idea of asking us all Keith but most people only look after the patch (road) they live in. As one of gpc threads hints even traffic working teams are guilty of this.
man with yellow lines outside his house.
The average driver can go through a pinch point at 40MPH without touching the brakes.
If you want to slow traffic you need speed cameras or police with speed guns. Modern cars are fast and drivers can and will speed on roads they know, unless caught and fined. A few £60 on the spot fines plus the 3 points has a major “calming” effect, especially when you go to renew the car insurance.
ex speeder.
I suggest moving the pinch point to Nodes Road to slow the traffic down along there – It would be more useful!
D Trotter
I believe the initial request from Northwood residents was for a ‘pavement’. Why the addition of a ‘pinch-point’ was ever dreamt up in the first place is beyond comprehension. Now with tha ‘extra’ incumbrance of double-yellow lines (and a few parked cars and vans !!)
the length of road between Wyatts Lane & Four Cross is a ‘no mans land’ that sometimes is very difficult to cross in ‘either’ direction. The pinch-point should be removed ASAP along with the double-yellow lines. BJS
FAO Tax Payer,
Someone told me the cost was about £70k, nearly double the budget, hence no money for the lower scheme.
That’s about £70 per Northwood household. In these financial times, I would question the priority of further works there.
FAO Cllr,
It’s very good to see the desire to consult, but I can’t help feeling that the rationale that a posted letter has more integrity than a forum message may be misplaced. Often those with the loudest voice (or greatest motivation to write a letter) will be those with personal interests, not public interests. By being public spirited enough to become a cllr, I’m sure we can trust your judgement of the value of individual forum messages. All the best.
BS (aka Mr Smith)
I should explain the reason why I didn’t want an open discussion at this stage.
I am trying to get a feeling for how important this issue is to local people in light of the approaches that have already been made to me.
I also wanted to hear what people had to say for themselves, rather than being influenced by others comments. That way I would have had a true reflection of what people thought, hopefully unbiased by others opinions.
Another factor was that people tend to post anonymously on this forum and as such any submissions here cannot be considered as part of the study.
Regards
Cllr Clatworthy
Yes…………….I agree…….this idea is certainly worth further discussion……..It would also be good to hear the feelings of residents that live along that stretch of road. After all, they live with it 24/7 and (no offence meant) often create the problems by allowing friends/builders etc to park along it
Withyskinner
The cost of moving the pole may have been 5 figures £10000 ? Seems expensive but I accept you have the information.
What was the cost of the pinch point?
You don’t get much for your money on road works.
I agree with the other post about lets have the discussion here if not why read the Forum.
Tax Payer.
I dont think its wrong to have a thread on our Forum with no way of replying if its purely for information. A thread asking for views on a village topic, but not through our Forum is not going to get as many people involved surely?
We have on this Forum the means to state a view without fear or favour and long may it last.
It will be interesting to see if more reply direct to the councilor on this issue by email or letter than on the Forum.
IIRC & IMHO:
The pavement was instated for pedestrian safety,
the pich point was added to allow wheelchairs past the telegraph pole,
the cost of moving the pole was five figures,
the intended speed hump was not constructed (awaiting a speed reducing feature downhill),
the scheme for the roundabout at Wyatts and other pinch points was postponed due to higher cost of pavement scheme,
Double yellows were a compromise between congestion and convenience.
Like most things, not perfect but better than it was.
NPH
When I first read the post from ‘A Driver’ I could not understand why he chose to start another thread.
Having re-read the post from Cllr Clatworthy it is clear he did not wish the post to be either 1. An open thread or 2. wish other contributors to express themselves directly to his post.
A councillor trying his best to seek views on a local topic, is this not what we asked of our councillors? It seems whatever is done in our name never satisfies some.
M.Choudry