Speed limit cut on 'notorious' Worcestershire road

Residents James Baker and Pat Hodges hope the reduction will cut casualties

Residents have welcomed a cut to the speed limit on a Worcestershire road, which they hope will reduce crash injuries and deaths.

Worcestershire County Council has erected 30mph signs along the A456 through Callow Hill, near the Bewdley bypass.

The move is a temporary change, with the council saying it intends to monitor the impact on driver behaviour.

Until now the section had a 40mph speed limit, but since 2003 five people have died along the route and there have been more than 10 serious injuries collisions.

The rest of the A456, including the bypass, will continue with speed limits of 60mph or 40mph, but the whole route is currently being reviewed.

James Baker, who lives in Callow Hill, said: “I think the whole community is delighted with the change.

“When you look at this stretch of road, which is just over a mile in length, stretching from the Duke William pub in Callow Hill to the Pound Bank turning, there’s been at least one serious or fatal collision each year, 19 in just over 20 years.

He added: "The impact on the people involved, their families, the emergency services and the people who have to witness that is horrific.”

The stretch of road previously had a 40mph limit

Pat Hodges, another resident, added: “This is what we needed in Callow Hill. I’m really pleased with the change, it's a road which is notorious, really.

“Hopefully they will look at the rest of the A456 and do something about the noise of the traffic. But this lower speed limit for our village was really needed.”

The county council says as well as the road markings and new signage, vehicle-activated signs will also be placed along the route to urge motorists to slow down.

A spokesperson said: “There is a temporary 30mph speed limit through the village of Callow Hill.

"To support this, the local county councillor has funded ‘Vehicle Activate’ signs to increase driver awareness.

"These signs will be installed shortly and we will continue to monitor their effectiveness.”