Traffic plan to protect Chase

Cars could be forced away from delicate heathland and motorists forced to slow down as part of plans to protect Cannock Chase for future generations.

A masterplan is being drawn up on how to maintain the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The plan also highlights how public transport links via bus to the Chase are poor and how improvements could encourage more visitors to leave their cars at home.

Some roads on the Chase have an optional 40mph limit or are set to the national speed limit, and calls have been made to see a mandatory 30mph speed limit enforced on all roads.

Councillor John Burnett has made the calls to Staffordshire Highways because around 200 deer a year are being killed a year on the roads.

Busy traffic on roads close to the Chase also spoil the natural feel of the area, with exhaust fumes and engine noise spoiling the experience for visitors.

One of the authors of the plan, Ruth Hytch, said: "Increasing recreation and visitor use has led to increased volumes of traffic on local roads at weekends and during school holidays.

"There are also significant volumes of traffic caused by commuters."

Two drop-in consultation events are being held for people to add their views to the plan. One is at Wolseley Gatehouse, at the Wolseley Centre off the A51 between Stafford and Rugeley, from 10am to 4pm on January 14.

The second is at Shugborough Hall near Stafford from 10am to 4pm on January 28. Call 01889 882613 or email ruth.hytch @staffordshire.gov.uk