THE FIGHT to slow down traffic along a main road in Bradford on Avon is under way.

An on-street meeting organised by Cllr Malcolm Hewson on Saturday, March 17, to discuss the final plans drawn up by Ringway Parkman to improve pedestrian safety along Frome Road attracted 30 people.

Cllr Hewson said: "The turnout on a Saturday morning shows people are concerned about pedestrian safety in Bradford on Avon."

At the meeting walkers complained car wing mirrors often hit them as they walk over the canal bridge.

The plans they were shown include the introduction of speed cushions which will slow traffic down and widening the pavement along the canal bridge.

Cllr Hewson said: "Although most people felt that the scheme is going in the right direction, I shall be pressing the case for a 20 mph speed limit through the traffic-calmed stretch, which I believe should be extended as further schemes are brought into effect in Bradford on Avon."

Road safety measures were called for in Trowbridge Road and Frome Road after two people were killed on Trowbridge Road.

In 1999 pensioner Leslie Carter was knocked down by a vehicle and motorist Mark Delahunty, 41, was killed last October on his way to work at County Hall.

Bradford on Avon is not the only town in the area that has traffic calming problems.

Melksham councillors Terry Chivers and Angie Barker have been campaigning for a blanket 20mph speed limit outside schools in Wiltshire but their plans were scuppered when county councillors rejected them last month.

Now the councillors are following up their campaign by fighting for a speed limit review outside the schools in their wards.

Cllr Chivers said: "We warned that this campaign will continue. We have put these sites forward to be considered for 20 mph limits. This will force the council to at least consider the issue again.

"The review will not be until next year but this will give us 12 months to continue our campaign not only for these sites but the whole of Wiltshire."

Cllr Barker said: "I would urge all councillors, parish councils and local residents to follow our example and make applications for such speed limits.

"By doing so it will highlight the problem of speeding traffic outside of our schools and the danger that our children are being put in on a daily basis."