Overtaking ban and lower speed limit put in place on 'danger-fraught' bypass
A 50mph speed limit and a ban on overtaking has been implemented on a busy bypass that's played host to several fatal crashes.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
The changes to the A456 Bewdley Bypass come after a completion of a detailed review of a section of the busy road by Worcestershire County Council.
The review, which was launched earlier this year, took place after locals provided feedback, and focuses on the section of road between Clows Top through to the West Midlands Safari Park. Earlier this month, hundreds signed a petition calling for improved safety measures.
The temporary 50mph limit in both directions and a ‘no overtaking’ order on the downward lane of the bypass were introduced last Friday.
These will be in place while a longer term, permanent solution via full Traffic Regulation Order is submitted.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport said: “This review and recommendations is a great example of the County Council listening to local people and taking swift action where we are able and is appropriate. In this case, reducing the speed limit and stopping overtaking on this stretch of road temporarily, is a step forward on making it safer.
“It’s also a great example of partnership working. We continually work with partners across the county to keep our roads in a good condition and fit for purpose, which is why we have some of the best roads in the region.”
Launching the petition earlier this month, Libby Marshall said on social media: "I for one am fed up of feeling afraid to use the bypass currently and I know there are others."
"Something needs to be done. Far too many accidents and fatalities on a regular basis. Let’s work together to make it a safer place so we aren’t at risk every time we leave our town."
"My child, who has special needs, travels to school every day on the A456. In the last few months alone, he has witnessed the aftermath of several crashes on this danger-fraught road. Some fatal."
The Traffic Regulation Order, which could take up to nine months to be fully agreed and in place, will propose that the temporary 30mph on Callow Hill be extended past the Wyre Forest visitor centre and become permanent, and the remainder of the A456 from Long Bank to the Safari Park be reduced to 50mph. The temporary limits will remain in place throughout that process.
The County Council has worked on the review alongside West Mercia Police, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, Councillor Dan Morehead, Councillor Ian Hardiman and Mark Garnier MP.
Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest said: “I am delighted with the decision by Worcestershire County Council, following the Jacobs Highway review. The proposed changes to the A456 from West Midlands Safari Park through to Callow Hill addresses many issues raised by residents and road users. The review was requested by local Council Representatives, John Campion the Police and Crime Commissioner and me, and represents local democracy working for the community at its best.”
Insp Darren Godsall, West Mercia Police Roads Policing added: “We work very closely with our partners – including Worcestershire County Council – to protect people from harm on our road network. Our aim is to influence road user behaviour, through education, engineering and enforcement activity. We welcome the engineering work that will be taking place on this stretch of road, and we will continue to work alongside Worcestershire County Council and our operational policing teams to enforce the speed limit where appropriate.”
North Worcestershire LPA Commander, Superintendent Mel Paley, said: “We are pleased to see our partners at Worcestershire County Council bring in these changes to speed limits and environmental changes on the A456. They are a welcome and important tool in ongoing efforts to reduce collisions and we will continue to work alongside our partners to enforce them with regular patrols and speed monitoring operations as well as continuing to educate road users on their behaviour.”
As well as amends to the speed limits and no overtaking signs, the permanent solution will include improvements to the West Midlands Safari access junction, the B4195 roundabout, the B4190 Cleobury Road roundabout, Lye Head Road junction, Wyre Forest access junction, A4117 Cleobury Road junction. Improvements in these areas include additional signage, amends to surfacing and changes to lining.
