CALLS for National Highways to speed up plans to improve safety on a known accident black spot have been made by a Vale MP.
West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged the Government agency which manages major roadwork projects to speed up plans to improve road safety along the A46.
The MP has written to the chief executive of National Highways expressing her concern over delays to the roll out of road safety improvements along the A46 between the M5 and Evesham.
She has also met with the Office for Road and Rail which oversees the agency and all major national infrastructure and was advised to share her concerns with the independent regulator Transport Focus.
Mrs Baldwin 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.
The MP 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.
National Highways has completed some cosmetic improvements to the road but is still progressing the installation of a speed-activated warning sign at the most dangerous stretch of road at Hinton Cross.
“Six months ago, I met with local parish representatives to hear their thoughts on what we can do to improve road safety along this busy stretch of road and National Highways pledged to look at the concerns and act,” she said.
“I am grateful for some of the short-term measures which have been put in place, including improving signage, but I have been concerned at the pace of change.
“This is an issue which is costing people’s lives and I cannot see why a national body would feel it is acceptable to take such time implementing a simple solution to slow drivers down.
“Permanent speed limits and enforcement will also become part of the longer-term solution but I urge National Highways to press on with delivering anything which will improve road safety for my constituents.”
