Almost ninety percent of local residents believe that the heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) travelling to and from the Seisdon Landfill site present a threat to pedestrian and driver safety, according to a new survey carried out by South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson.
Hundreds of villagers in Seidson, Trysull and Lower Penn responded to the survey, which the MP sent out after several residents raised concerns over the impact that the high volume of HGV traffic was having on the surrounding area.
The results were extremely conclusive, with 91.2 percent of residents saying that they had been affected by the HGV traffic en route to and from the site.
The biggest impact appeared to be to the condition of local lanes, with 92.6% of respondents saying that the HGVs had a detrimental impact on the condition of surrounding roads and a massive 94.4% stating that mud on the road – transferred from the HGVs’ tyres - had been a problem in the area.
But even more worrying was the respondents’ view that the HGVs presented a danger to local drivers and pedestrians, with 89.3% stating that they had a negative impact on road safety and a further 80% claiming that they posed a threat to pedestrian safety.
Flow of traffic was another big concern, with 67% of respondents stating that the HGVs caused congestion in Seisdon village, 64.2% stating they caused congestion on the surrounding roads and 57% claiming that they negatively impacted on journey times.
On the results, Gavin said: “This survey has been extremely conclusive and proves that HGVs are obviously having an extremely detrimental impact on the local area.
“My biggest concern is the safety of local residents. I believe that urgent action needs to be taken to ensure that adequate measures are being taken to protect both pedestrians and drivers, and that proper consideration is being put into whether this volume of HGV traffic is sustainable in the long term.”