PRESSURE is mounting on Worcestershire County Council to reduce speed limits and install speed cameras at a busy roundabout near Worcester.
Over 1,000 people have signed a petition to introduce better safety measures on Worcester’s Southern Link Road at Ketch Roundabout following a spate of crashes.
Many residents living in Kempsey, Norton and St Peter’s struggle to enter the roundabouts, and there is a history of cars crashing off the roundabouts onto the footpaths.
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The petition calls for the introduction of traffic lights, reduced speed limits, the installation of average speed cameras, and safety barriers to protect pedestrians on a nearby footpath.
Martin Allen, councillor for Kempsey and Upton, said: “Increasing traffic and fast-approaching cars make it hard for motorists to safely enter both the Ketch and St Peter’s roundabouts.
CRASH: Cllr Martin Allen with the car that came off the road. (Image: Martin Allen)
“Residents struggle with the speed of oncoming vehicles, creating a risk of yet more accidents.”
Councillor Rebecca Rollinson added: “Haven’t there been enough accidents already?
“It seems that the current administration at County Hall is just as slow to act as the previous one, failing to deal with the reality of the situation.”
Parish Council chairman John Renshaw inspects the vehicle that crashed at St Peter’s orbital pedway. (Image: John Renshaw)
Residents in St Peter’s have also had to endure excessive road noise and fumes from cars travelling at high speeds and using the section as a ‘race track’.
Councillors say there have been multiple crashes at each of the roundabouts, with many not being reported to the police because drivers fail to stop.
Back when a tractor overturned at Ketch Roundabout. (Image: Terry Griffiths)
Louis Stephen, the Councillor for St Peter’s, “As the weather improves, many residents naturally wish to enjoy their gardens and keep their windows open at night.
“Nobody should have to put up with the loud noise of cars and motorbikes racing along the Southern Link Road during the night.”
The petition is still live, and there is still time to add their views to the petition before it is presented at the next county council meeting in May.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We acknowledge the online petition.
“We are reaching the end of the Road Safety Audit Stage 4 process, which covers detailed analysis of the post scheme completion accident rate and on-site observation of driver behaviour and road safety.
“When this has concluded, we will cover with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and then key stakeholders, starting with local county councillors.”
