Markfield Parish Neighbourhood Plan: Referendum Version responded to the consultation. Strong reservations were expressed by many of the attendees about the proposed changes at the two roundabouts. Field Head Roundabout It is proposed to introduce part time signals on the A50 approaches to the roundabout. A two-lane exit is proposed onto Launde Road. Respondents to our 2019 Questionnaire Survey placed a high priority on ‘Traffic lights at Field Head Roundabout’. Flying Horse Roundabout The proposals seek to address the congestion problem caused by right-turning vehicles backing up across the roundabout, preventing other traffic from using it. The scheme will see the current partially signalised roundabout altered so that traffic from Stanton Road and traffic from Copt Oak Road can only turn left onto the A511. Traffic travelling on the A511 will not be able to turn right into Stanton Lane. The scheme will also see the existing pedestrian crossings kept with an additional crossing provided on Stanton Lane.
Local Roads
The A50 from Groby to the Field Head Roundabout is a street-lit dual-carriageway with a 40mph speed limit. At the Field Head Roundabout there are two arms to Markfield village- Leicester Road and Launde Road. Once past the roundabout the national speed limit applies. Leicester Road is street-lit single-carriageway road with 40mph speed limit and a footway along its southern side. Leicester Road marks the northern extent of the built-up area of Markfield and becomes Ashby Road after its junction with Main Street. There is a 7.5T weight restriction on both roads. Much of the village is accessed off Leicester Road including Chitterman Way and Main Street. Launde Road is a street-lit single-carriageway road with 40mph speed limit. There are footways on both sides of the carriageway and in places are separated from the carriageway by large grass verges. Some years ago, to help control vehicle speeds, two chicanes were constructed along the middle section of the road. Launde Road passes through the eastern part of Markfield to the west of Field Head. Launde Road has no weight limits and joins Ratby Lane. At its junction with Markfield Lane, Ratby Lane becomes Thornton Lane, which then heads southwards towards Thornton, and Newtown Unthank. The Poundstretcher HQ and national distribution centre is located 81
FIGURE 20: LAUNDE WAY WITH CROSSING POINTS/SPEED REDUCTION MEASURES
