ACTION is being taken to address a Longhope junction that residents describe as a risky ‘gauntlet’.

Gloucestershire county councillor (Con, Mitchel– dean) Brian Robinson told a parish council meeting that the council highways manager, Brian Watkins, is taking steps to measure the current speed of vehicles approaching the Velthouse Lane junction on A4136 from both the Huntley and Mitcheldean directions.

Resident Chris Gardner said: “For too long we have been subjected to the terror of running the gauntlet of exiting Velthouse lane at the bottom of Hopeshill. As well as trying to enter the lane from the main road.

“I have been doing this for 27 years but it is becoming increasingly “risky” as the speed of vehicles seems to have increased. Indeed, it has become so dangerous the bus company will no longer stop in the bus stop at the bottom of the hill. It now drops residents on the other side of the road and they have to walk back over the road.

“Vehicles enter a national speed limit at the top of Hopeshill. By the time they get to the bottom many are hitting 70mph or more. Trucks are equally fast and a fully loaded 36 ton truck hurtling down the hill has no chance of slowing or stopping. 

“It is only a matter of time before a death occurs and we need action now not in months, years or a decade’s time.” 

Mr Gardner said he has notified the authorities in a bid to reduce the speed limit.

He said: “A simple flashing and illuminating sign indicating that a vehicle is exiting the junction situated at the centre of the hill will slow vehicles enough to make it safer.”

In an email to Mr Gardner, Cllr Robinson said: “The road is currently derestricted meaning the actual maximum legal speed for cars is 60mph. The bend in the road may mean that average speeds are closer to 50mph but I note residents feel a speed limit of 40mph would be better.

“I have asked the Gloucestershire County Council Highways manager to report back to the Parish Council when the current road speed measurements are known so we can discuss with local community options for addressing road safety concerns. I anticipate this being before the end of 2015.”

Brian Watkins, local highways manager, said: “We will be carrying out speed surveys of the stretch of the road at the Velthouse Lane junction to gather more evidence before making any decisions.”