Traffic calming measures are being lined up for one of Ipswich’s key roads in a bid to clampdown on excessive speeding.

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor Robert Whiting (left) and Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council chairman, Phil Richings, have been working on traffic calming in Playford Road Picture: CONTRIBUTEDCouncillor Robert Whiting (left) and Rushmere St Andrew Parish Council chairman, Phil Richings, have been working on traffic calming in Playford Road Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

Playford Road in north Ipswich is one of the key routes between Ipswich and the east towards Woodbridge and Martlesham, and frequently becomes a rat run at peak times by motorists avoiding the A1214 Main Road.

Data gathered by Suffolk police and the speedwatch group said average speeds were well in excess of the 30mph speed limit, with some cars being clocked as fast as 70mph.

It is believed that the long straight nature of the road, coupled with its layout running adjacent to the A1214 Main Road, means it is easy for cars to speed.

A bid for cash to fund the scheme was approved on Tuesday by Suffolk Coastal District Council’s cabinet, and will mean a mini roundabout is put in at the Bent Lane junction, as well as speed humps and a narrowing of the road at both ends.

Phil Richings, chairman of Rushmere Parish Council, said: “Over many, many years residents have complained about speeding of vehicles along here because it’s a long straight stretch.

“Speedwatch and the police have confirmed that the average speed is well in excess of 30mph.

“Quite a number of residents have drives which drop straight onto the main road, so that’s really the impetus behind the request.”

County councillor for Kesgrave and Rushmere Robert Whiting helped fund a feasibility study earlier in the year through his locality budget, with a further £5,450 coming from Mr Whiting’s budget and £5,400 from the parish council for designs.

Funding of £45,200 will come from Suffolk Coastal’s community infrastructure levy fund to deliver the improvements themselves, expected to start before the end of the year.

Robert Whiting said: “I am pleased to be leading this initiative to deliver an important scheme which will have a huge positive impact upon the quality of life for people living and visiting this part of Rushmere St Andrew.

“I am constantly approached by members of the public who are concerned about the excessive speeds they currently witness along this rat run.

“I am confident that this scheme will make a huge difference and I hope in the future to be able to develop similar initiatives elsewhere in the parish.”