The Longhill Lane problem

The background to this is the closure of the Woore Road (A525) while works to the sewers are being carried out. The official diversion (and the one HGVs have to use) involves a long detour but there is a very obvious alternative for car users using Longhill Lane and Windmill Lane.


See previous articles  here  and  here .

It is not often that we, at AudlemOnline, receive a concerted series of chatbox entries, all essentially saying the same thing. These entries have come from Andrew, Kathryn, Lizzie and Nick who all raise the issue of vehicles trying to avoid the closure of the Woore Road by using Longhill Lane and Windmill Lane.

Clearly the drivers involved have the same right to use that road as do drivers in general on roads in general. The 'official' diversion is probably safer but it is very much longer and more inconvenient, so of course drivers are going to use the short-cut, human nature and the cost of petrol being what they are.

But those drivers still have the same responsibilities as drivers and as people, which includes taking sufficient care when driving and allowing for the nature of the road and being mindful and courteous to other road users.

Perhaps the Cheshire East road planners could have anticipated that this problem was bound to be a result of the Woore Road closure and been able, in spite of funding and no doubt many other constraints. to have tried to alleviate it a bit by traffic calming methods, temporary speed restrictions, even alternate way lights at the very narrow bit.

But at the end of the day, the responsibility is still down to the individual drivers of the vehicles, so we make a special plea to these drivers on behalf of all those living on. or using, Longhill Lane and Windmill Lane.

Please slow down and be careful along Longhill Lane and Windmill Lane

Comments submitted to chatbox

Andrew
I'd like to endorse the comments already made on this topic by Kathryn, Lizzie and Nick. The journey down Longhill Lane and Windmill Lane is perilous to say the least, as it appears that this route has now become the accepted diversion around the Woore Road closure. These lanes require a high degree of caution at the best of times, with their blind bends and single track sections. Now that the volume of traffic has increased dramatically, it has become exceptionally dangerous. I am a Buerton resident, and on my journey today from the Windmill Lane end to the White Lion pub junction I had THREE near misses with vehicles being driven in an absolutely reckless manner. It's only a question of time before a serious accident occurs.

Nick
Living on Longhill Lane, can I please remind driver that the road is single track in places and used by walkers, horses and tractors.

Lizzie
The suggestion to use Longhill Lane rather than the sign posted diversion is ill advised and actually dangerous. As a resident of Longhill Lane, myself and my neighbours would appreciate if you only use Longhill Lane (especially the Woore Road end) sparingly and only if absolutely necessary. The road is mostly a single lane wide and is used daily by horses, walkers, mums with children and cyclists. Therefore suggesting to use a this as an alternative route doesn't take into consideration the traffic the road can actually take. We have already noticed the increased traffic and the few idiots that have chosen to drive down the lane at speed. Stick to the sign posted diversion routes please as they are SAFE alternative routes.

Kathryn
Living on Longhill Lane, and as a dog walker it is now perilous, since the closure of Woore Road. The cars are using the lane as a race track. Not even slowing down for pedestrian's. It's frightening.
Cars are travelling way to fast for this narrow country lane that for the next 6 weeks will be the replacement for Woore Road.
This morning a car failed to slow down just by the bridge at Buerton and had to do an emergency stop for the car travelling in front of me, who had stopped. Think they actually damaged the car in the verge.
Please have some consideration for the residents who live on longhill Lane and Windmill Drive. Especially us dog walker's. It's a narrow country lane, not Woore Road. Before someone is seriously injured.