Residents of Mortimers Lane in Fair Oak are urging Hampshire County Council to introduce restrictions on lorry movements along the road to prevent further damage to their homes.
Four residents have also requested a review of the road’s speed limit, citing concerns over the constant shaking and noise caused by heavy traffic.
Impact on Residents’ Lives
Philipa Hampton, one of the residents, spoke at a full council meeting about the significant disturbances caused by the traffic. She described how her home “constantly shakes dramatically” due to its proximity to Mortimers Lane.
Hampton also mentioned that the road, which has a 30mph speed limit, is frequently used by large lorries, causing continuous vibrations throughout the day and night.
As a mother of two young children, Hampton expressed concern about the safety of walking near the road, particularly with heavy vehicles passing so close by.
The constant vibrations have caused damage to her home as well. Hampton explained that her boiler had broken twice, with the engineer attributing the damage to vibration. She also mentioned that the engineer initially thought a nearby train line might be responsible due to the excessive noise.
Call for Action and Solutions
In her appeal to the council, Hampton urged for an official traffic survey to assess the impact of the heavy lorries and the need for improvements to the road surface.
She highlighted that the bumpy surface of Mortimers Lane exacerbates the vibrations and shaking from passing vehicles. “We need to stop our homes from being further damaged,” she emphasized.
Council’s Response
Lulu Bowerman, the highways chief at Hampshire County Council, acknowledged the concerns raised by the residents and praised the local community for their engagement in the issue.
She pointed out that plans to improve walking and cycling infrastructure along Mortimers Lane were set to begin this summer, subject to approval.
In a statement, Hampshire County Council assured the community that it was “reviewing the situation” and “exploring potential measures to address” the concerns.
The council expressed appreciation for the residents’ patience and cooperation as they work to identify effective solutions that will benefit both local residents and road users.
The residents of Mortimers Lane in Fair Oak are hoping that their appeal for restrictions on lorry traffic and changes to the road’s speed limit will be addressed by the council.
With significant damage already caused to homes and ongoing concerns about safety and disruption, the community is eager for a solution that will help protect their homes and improve the overall quality of life.
