THE NEW vicar of Grangetown in South Cardiff, Father Richard Green, is calling for tougher traffic calming measures following a serious car crash near to his church.
Father Green, who moved to Cardiff in April, spoke out after two cars collided near to St Paul’s Church on Paget Street on 29 May. This led many local residents to comment on social media about the dangers of speeding vehicles and the need for traffic calming measures.
Father Green said: “I was walking along Paget Street towards town when I saw a car go past at a very fast speed.
“Seconds later I heard a loud bang and saw that two cars had collided. Luckily no one was seriously hurt and others went to assist.”
Father Green added: “Many residents have since spoken to me of their concerns about speeding traffic, and that a worse accident could happen if nothing is done.
“I certainly think that the time has come for Cardiff Council to consider traffic calming measures on Paget Street, such as speed humps.”
Local resident Charlie Morris was in the front garden of her home on Paget Street with her 2-year old-daughter when the accident happened.
She said: “We experienced a great fright when a smashed-up car headed towards us.
“Although we are physically okay, mentally we live on dealing with this traumatic experience.”
Charlie added: “The issue with Paget Street is that it is a long, straight road and this encourages speeding.”
The accident has renewed interest in a petition started two years ago on the website change.org by local resident Chris Krik, which calls for speed humps and the introduction of a pedestrian crossing on Paget Street. To date the petition has 288 signatures.
Councillor Ash Lister, who represents Grangetown on Cardiff Council, said that he and colleagues have been pushing for increased road safety measures in the area. He also urged residents to report incidents of speeding to South Wales Police or the website GoSafe.
Father Green said: “In the short time I’ve been here I’ve come to love Grangetown.
“We all want it to be a safe place for everyone. I acknowledge the Council’s resources are limited but hopefully we can make the case for these important measures to make our community safe.”
