COUNCIL bosses have responded to criticism of a scheme intended to stop speeding drivers.

Cash from developers Kingswood Homes was used to introduce speed tables on Livesey Branch Road at the junction for Moorland Drive in Blackburn.

But angry residents wrote to Blackburn with Darwen Council saying their were unhappy with the new layout.

They say it has increased noise as boy racers with loud exhausts slow down and then accelerate away, while it has also created noise from early morning goods vehicles using the road.

Concerns have also been raised about lowering the kerb amid concerns there is no barrier preventing cars leaving the road.

One resident said: "We wish to fully object to the placement of this speed table. It has served to introduce excessive levels of road noise both from goods vehicles but also from 'boy racers' with loud exhausts.

"The loud exhausts were always an annoyance, however now as the drivers slow for the speed table and accelerate away the noise is far louder and for a longer duration.

"We have never had problems with excessive road noise from goods vehicles prior to the placement of the speed table.

"As Livesey Branch Road is a major trunk route it is used at all hours of the day and night. We submit that the speed table is unsuitable for the road given the excessive noise it causes that residents must endure.

"We are repeatedly woken at 4-5am by goods vehicles crashing over the speed table.

"Furthermore when using this section of Livesey Branch Road as a pedestrian we would feel far safer not having the road level with the footpath.

"Especially in snow and ice the kerb forms a vital safety barrier to cars sliding from the road and into pedestrians on the footpath.

"Now the council have removed this barrier and it makes that section of the road feel far more dangerous than any other to us."

Borough executive member for growth and development, Cllr Phil Riley, said: “The council is committed to mitigating the impacts of new housing developments and is responding to wider concerns over traffic levels, congestion and speeds.

“The design and implementation of the works forms the council’s agreed and approved response through the planning system.

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“This form of junction table slows vehicles down on all approaches and the increased plateau length allows longer vehicles to have both axles supported on the hump, meaning a better ride quality which is particularly important on bus routes such as Livesey Branch Road.

“The reduced kerb height employed allows wheelchairs and prams to cross at multiple positions, in a prominent position where drivers’ perception and awareness is increased.”