In Dudley, UK, local lawmakers are responding to community concerns by championing the installation of average speed cameras on Thorns Road, a problematic stretch where speeds of up to 70 mph have been recorded on a road designated for 30 mph. The move follows a tragic incident where 27-year-old Salma Rafique was fatally struck by a vehicle in September 2023.
Alex Ballinger and Cat Eccles, Members of Parliament, have taken a proactive stance by meeting with police officials, local council members, and the Thorns Road Action Group. Their aim is to collectively address the escalating road safety issues which have plagued the area, amidst mounting fears from the local populace.
Thorns Road, bridging Lye and Brierley Hill, witnesses an alarming traffic flow of 28,000 vehicles daily. The road is notorious not only for its high traffic volume but also for dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding and erratic overtaking. The residential areas, schools, and Stevens Park along the road amplify the risks, underlining the urgent need for effective safety solutions.
The gravity of the situation was underscored by a recent inspection of the pedestrian crossing near Stevens Park, the exact location of Rafique’s fatal accident. Here, tributes remain as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of road safety negligence.
Local residents and the Thorns Road Action Group have actively petitioned for safety improvements, collecting over 2,000 signatures in favor of traffic calming measures. Despite newly implemented measures such as updated pedestrian crossings and the introduction of a school crossing assistant, public sentiment remains firm on the need for more robust interventions.
Among the discussed potential solutions is the reintroduction of speed cameras, a method supported by both historical data and public consensus as effective in moderating traffic speed. In 2020, discussions about speed cameras had advanced, with Simon Foster, the Police and Crime Commissioner, consulting on the impact of speed cameras and the allocation of fine revenues.
Ballinger expressed satisfaction with the collaborative spirit arising from the meeting, emphasizing their commitment to cutting through bureaucratic red tape to expedite the installation of speed cameras. He stated, “I’m pleased that there is a real consensus among the police council, and the wider community to find practical solutions.” Echoing his sentiments, Eccles highlighted the dire need for immediate action, pointing to frequent incidents along the route as a clear indicator of the prevailing danger.
Furthermore, the MPs have extended their appeal to the West Midlands Mayor and the Police and Crime Commissioner, urging a broader application of average speed cameras along the entirety of A4036 to safeguard both motorists and pedestrians on Thorns Road.
The Thorns Road Action Group lauded the collaborative initiative led by MPs, local authorities, and law enforcement. A representative shared, “We are encouraged there is an emerging consensus amongst stakeholders to install average speed cameras and for using speed enforcement units as traffic calming measures.”
This ongoing initiative reflects a collective determination to not only memorialize the victims of past accidents but to actively forge a safer future for Thorns Road and its surrounding communities. With continued advocacy and strategic action, there is hope for significantly reduced traffic-related incidents in this once perilous roadway.