It never ceases to amaze us how Lincolnshire County Council rides roughshod over the opinions of  Boston people  … and its latest effort is one that it is claimed will put townsfolk – and young children in particular – in danger.
Despite significant objections, the county’s Planning and Regulation Committee has ordered an experimental ban on traffic turning right from Sleaford Road into Brothertoft Road to be made permanent.
As regular users of Sleaford Road at this junction, we have never really noticed a major problem – although it is true to say that on occasion there have been tailbacks into town which caused slight delays – but nothing that we couldn’t live with.
However, even though the roadworks at Spalding Road, Queen Street,  Liquorpond Street and Sleaford Road have brought massive improvements, County Hall seems determined to drive traffic in, through and out of Boston as quickly as possible – regardless of any potential dangerous side effects.
The jargon justifying the retention of the right turn ban refers to it as “an important element which frees space in the centre of the junction.”
Generally speaking, Bostonians are not particularly vocal when it comes to protesting – we recall that fewer than 30 signed a local "newspaper" petition opposing the introduction of charges for disabled blue badge holders – but the Sleaford Road scheme has proved to be an exception.
Eighteen letters of objection were received opposing the initial proposal, plus a petition with around 100 signatures.
After an experimental period – which we all know is LCC-speak to camouflage a token gesture before something is made permanent – six objectors continued to oppose it, and four new objectors came forward.  
In addition,  50 letters of opposition were sent directly to the highways portfolio holder Councillor William Webb.
Among the objectors was Boston West County Councillor Ray Newell, who is a member of the 15-strong committee – the remainder of which comprises 13 Tories (unlucky for some)  including Boston Borough Council’s leader Peter Bedford and his joint deputy Michael Brookes,  and one Lib-Dem.
When the time came for a vote, Councillor Newell’s was the only voice of dissent – which says much about the stranglehold that Lincoln has on our local Tories.
Outlining his reasons, Councillor Newell said: “During the temporary ban, the traffic flow along Carlton Road increased by 31%.  This road passes Boston Carlton Road Primary and Nursery School – a large and growing school. The increase in traffic amounts to over 100,000 vehicles a year, when the school is open.
“The ban alarmingly increased the traffic flow along Sydney Street, by some 300%.  Sydney Street is located directly opposite the entrance to the school.
“Sydney Street is particularly dangerous – as shown by one incident last year, when, in a single accident, 14 parked vehicles were smashed into by a single driver.
“I believe that the Carlton Road, Brothertoft Road, Sydney Street and Sleaford Road area has been made more dangerous.
“The Office for National Statistics reports that population and traffic pressures are set to increase alarmingly in Boston. 
“When civil parking enforcement is introduced at the end of this year, it may be even more so.
“I urge all residents, vehicle and road users in these areas, to take extra care to prevent avoidable accidents.”
A sad footnote is the news that Councillor Bedford actually spoke in favour of the ban – as part of the Boston Transport Strategy – and voted for it when the time came.
With so many objections, and an worrying outlook for future safety, we think it a shame that for once he couldn’t side with the electorate, rather than toe the “head office”  line.
It would, after all, have had no effect to the outcome, but might have portrayed him as a leader who listens – for a change.
 

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