Campaigners say speed limit must be reduced near Worcester school
Campaigners say it is “only a matter of time” before a serious collision takes place near a Worcester school
Campaigners say it is “only a matter of time” before a serious collision takes place near a village school.
The speed limit on the B4211 in Hanley Castle needs to be reduced before there is a fatal crash, say residents.
Chris Baker spoke at Worcestershire County Council’s full council meeting last week, calling for the speed limit on the road to be reduced from 40mph.
He said the council’s village speed limit initiative “established a 30mph limit as a matter of right in rural communities” back in 2000.
But he added: “Hanley Castle was omitted from the scheme and consequently has a 40mph limit on the B4211.
“Hanley Castle High School, with 1,147 students plus a staff of 140 is the only school in Worcestershire that does not have a 30mph limit past it – much smaller schools in local villages have a 30mph speed limit.
“Since 2000 there have been changes. Traffic volumes on the B4211 have increased significantly, volumes are destined to increase significantly more as detailed in the South Worcestershire Development Plan.
“The number of students at Hanley Castle High School has increased by 20 percent, housing density has substantially increased.”
A crash in Hanley Castle in March last year left a car in a hedge.
A more serious crash north of the village at The Rhydd in January 2024 led to the death of a 37-year-old man.
Mr Baker said Government statements show “a 30mph speed limit should be the norm through villages”.
He told councillors that two road safety reports were presented to Hanley Castle Parish Council last year and have led to vehicle-activated signs being installed.
Mr Baker said speed reduction on the road is one of “main priorities” in Hanley Swan’s local plan.
“There have been a number of RTAs in the village – thankfully no-one was seriously hurt,” he said. “However, it is only a matter of time before a serious accident and/or fatality occurs.
“We need to be proactive not reactive. Concerned residents and the school wish to invite the cabinet member for highways Karl Perks to meet on site in Hanley Castle.”