Hyde Park residents complain of drivers mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming planters

Residents living in a street in Hyde Park have been left outraged by dangerous drivers, who they say are mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming planters.

The complaints centre around the planters in Thornville Road, which were originally installed as a traffic-calming measure.

However, some drivers have been ignoring them by driving around them on the pavements instead, residents on the street have said.

One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve been contact with the police, who said it was an issue for the council.

Tyre marks in the snow in Thornville Road, Hyde Park, where residents say drivers are mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming plantersplaceholder image
Tyre marks in the snow in Thornville Road, Hyde Park, where residents say drivers are mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming planters

“But when I got in touch with the council, they said it was a matter for West Yorkshire Police."

Leeds City Council issued a statement in response to the complaints.

A council spokesperson said: “The planters were introduced as part of an active travel neighbourhood scheme designed to remove through traffic on residential streets, to make the streets feel safer, reduce the amount of vehicles and encourage more cycling and walking.

“They are used as a temporary measure to enforce the order prohibiting the entry of motor vehicles beyond a certain point, but allowing access for people walking and cycling, as well as wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Tyre marks in the snow in Thornville Road, Hyde Park, where residents say drivers are mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming plantersplaceholder image
Tyre marks in the snow in Thornville Road, Hyde Park, where residents say drivers are mounting pavements to bypass traffic-calming planters

“Driving on the pavement is an offence, especially as it directly puts members of the public at risk. We’re working with the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams and value their support to take action at the locations where driver behaviour is putting the community at risk.

“In the locations where this is a particular issue we will be putting additional physical measures in place to prevent this.”

West Yorkshire Police was contacted for comment.

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