A NOTORIOUS Evesham accident blackspot will see extra safety measures introduced alongside a 40 miles per hour speed limit in a bid to tackle the spate of incidents including fatal accidents
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, met with National Highways to press for the speed limit and repeated villagers’ requests for a vehicle activated speed sign to encourage drivers to respect the new speed limit.
Highways bosses have now confirmed they are developing designs for the use of a warning sign ahead of the Broadway Road junction once the speed limit is put in place.
National Highways confirmed last month it would introduce a new, lower speed limit to improve safety on the A46 near Hinton Cross. The limit will be temporarily reduced from 60mph to 40mph over a 1.5km stretch of road following a number of collisions, with a view to making the lower speed limit permanent.
New signs and road markings will be installed on the A46 from just north of Hinton Cross to just south of the B4078 at Sedgeberrow
Villagers living along the A46, who first raised their concerns about the road last year, won support from Mrs Baldwin who has lobbied National Highways and the Department of Transport since the issue was raised.
The Pershore MP first wrote to the agency last year urging it to expedite road safety solutions to prevent serious road accidents along the A46 where people in the surrounding villages turn on to the busy road.
She also met with parish representatives and visited the local primary school to hear reports of how dangerous stretches of the road have become – particularly in difficult weather conditions.
Mrs Baldwin said: “I am pleased to hear confirmation a speed-activated warning sign will be implemented and I have also written to the Safer Roads Partnership to ask for its plans on enforcement along the new 40 miles an hour stretch of road.
“It’s a dangerous stretch of road at all times of year and I am pleased National Highways has listened and acted.
“I have also had feedback there have been detailed investigations into the causes of recent accidents and I hope National Highways will work with the local parish councils to share that relevant information.
“We all want a safer road and reduced accidents and l am hopeful these are meaningful measures to make this ambition happen,” she added.
