Cllr Roy Gerstner – Community Activist

What’s happening with the Census?

The Census is taking place in March 2021 as planned, the ONS has reviewed the Census plans in light of COVID19 and they are confident that everyone will be able to provide their information safely and securely. This was confirmed by ONS to Local Authorities in October, here’s a link to the communication. 

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted us all in different ways, and it has further emphasised the need for up-to-date data about the population to help organisations shape services for society for the years to come.
For the first time this will be a digital-first Census, but paper copies will be available for those who need it. Help will be available for people who need support to take part online or need translations, through a public contact centre. Accessible options are also available.

ONS have listened to users and to broaden understanding of our modern society there are new and voluntary questions in this Census about armed forces leavers, gender identity and sexual orientation.
There is more information about Census 2021 here and downloadable handbooks and leaflets here.

After the (2) residents meetings, the vast majority of issues/complaints were about..
(1) Speeding.
(2) Parking.

I have attended a number of meetings, including recently (on zoom) getting updates from our County Councillors, as Highways comes under their remit.
Working with Cllrs Julie Windle and David Mason, the MVAS’s were seen as the first step into ‘educating’ motorists (especially as there is a school crossing) and collecting data.
We (WTC) have applied for a Local Highways Improvement project and funding to have a ‘Blanket’ 20mph speed limit for the entire road – yes we appreciate enforcement is always going to be a challenge.
It is all part of trying to make the road(s) safe.
This LHI will not come for discussion until March 2021 and even then there is no guarantee of being sucessful – We hope it will be.

Parking is a nationwide issue – and I have lost count how many meeting I’ve attended about parking issues/concerns.
I have on several occasions explained ‘how’ parking enforecment works in Fenland and am not going to explain again….do a search and you will find the articles.
Another LHI has been submitted for more ‘double yellow’ lines around junctions on Ramsey Road & Church Street.
Although in most of England it is not ‘illegal’ to park on the pavement – it is if you cause an obstruction…

According to the Highway Code, motorists should not park “opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space”. While the Highway Code isn’t the law, it can be used to support decisions made by the police or other officials responsible for parking enforcement.

Getting critisized for nearly everything I am involved in – I am used to it – it is very rare for anything complementary – but there we are –
so I have already had some negative feedback about the MVAS’s –
Motor Vehicle Activated Signs – which display/record speed.

To make it realy crystal clear – ‘we’ Councillors did not decide the exact location of these MVAS –
The public who are complaining about speeding on their road(s) have asked for something to be done.
Since the Police have very limited resources – like many area’s ‘we’ decided this may help, as the data can be downloaded and ‘if’ there is a speeding issue, the Council can put pressure on the Police to monitor.
Now the exact location is a joint decision with Cambs Highways/Balfour Beaty
(who own the lamposts)…..some will never be happy – but this is the best we can do.

An e-mail just received from a resident on Church Street – The MVAS erected near my house worked very well when a car flew past me and it flashed red for them to slow down.

There are other MVAS to be fitted – Ramsey Road/Stonald Road/Coates to name a few.
To repeat – this was an instigated because The Public asked for something to be done.

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