Cheshire East's lack of action regarding noisy drivers on the A34 Wilmslow bypass has been raised again at a meeting of the full council on Wednesday, 11th December.
As many residents will recall, acoustic cameras were installed on the A34 bypass near the Whitehall Bridge roundabout towards the end of October 2022 as a joint venture between the Police & Crime Commissioner and Cheshire East Highways to crack down on noisy anti-social motorists.
Between the installation of the acoustic cameras and their removal in April 2024 there were a total of 2,021 activations. An activation of the camera is defined as a situation where a vehicle using the road emits a sound which is over 90 dB (so called 'trigger event').
However, Cheshire East had not introduced a Public Space Protection Order - meaning that approximately £200,000 in fines could not be issued, which would have generated much needed funds for the cash-strapped council.
Speaking during member's questions, Councillor Craig Browne said "Over a nine month trial period during 2022/2023 acoustic sound cameras positioned on the ward boundary of Alderley Edge and Wilmslow registered 1921 activations, each exceeding 90 decibels.
"Had a public space order been in place at this time this council would have received nearly £200,000 in fines income. So the business case is there, the evidence is there, the political support is there, the residents have given their backing, the only question remaining is when will Cheshire East Council take action."
Councillor Gorman responded "Extreme noise from tuned-up high performance cars and motorbikes have plagued the residents who live close to the A34 in Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. I thank Councillor Brown for bringing this issue to the attention of the council today.
"Two meetings have been held in the last couple of weeks with members and officers and the police and crime commissioner and proposals are being brought forward to seek a way forward and continue to work with Alderley Edge Parish Council and Wilmslow Town councillors and the office of the police and crime commissioner.
"I understand it will also be referred to the appropriate Cheshire East committee in due course."
Comments
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Could he possibly supply the itemised costs of this pandering to a select few who chose to live adjacent to the bypass? Including plod. How many hours have council employees wasted at our expense?
I suspect, as usual, costs far outweigh any potential “income”!
This issue is very close to the bottom of the pile of problems our inept council should be dealing with.