Calls for safety review of A38 in Gloucestershire after pedestrian dies
There are calls for a review of the A38 between Gloucester and Tewksbury after a pedestrian was hit by a car and died there last December
There are calls for a safety review of a stretch of the A38 after a pedestrian was hit by a car there and died last December.
More than 80 residents signed a petition calling for a “common sense” review of the short dual carriageway between Gloucester and Tewkesbury.
They want to see the speed limit near Combe Hill reduced from 70mph to 50mph.
The petition, set up by MP Cameron Thomas, was handed in at Shire Hall last week.
Gloucestershire County Councillor Richard Stanley presented the petition and said the residents want the review to look at safe crossing options, to restore the footpath and improve signage.
“This short 0.4 mile dual carriageway with its 70mph limit with bus stops on either side has been the site of multiple incidents including the tragic death of a Mr John Talty known as Jack,” he said.
“A constituent, Mr Mark Giard lost his friend there and has campaigned tirelessly ever since.
“He and local residents describe exactly why this stretch is unsafe.
“It’s a sharp bend, no hard shoulder, bus users forced to stand dangerously close to the oncoming traffic, no pavement, no warning signs and children crossing daily to reach school buses.”
He also told the meeting there have been times when bus drivers refuse to stop for fear of safety.
“This is the only dual carriageway between Gloucester and Tewkesbury yet just north and south of it traffic slows to 50mph at lights.
“Residents rightly ask what is the logic of this short, high-speed section?
“We are calling for a common-snse safety review.”
He said residents are calling for a 50mph limit, safe crossings to restore the footpath and improve signage.
These steps would save lives and make the A38 safer for all users, he said.