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Crash victims who ran popular tea rooms near Wolverhampton lead campaign for speed cameras on 'rabbit run' road

A former businessman who was involved in a horrific road smash has pleaded with an MP and traffic bosses to install cameras on the stretch his crash happened.

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John McSherry, 64, and his wife Michelle, 52, were involved in a horror collision in 2009 which resulted in the pair sustaining serious injuries, and the motorcyclist who caused the collision, losing his life.

Ever since Mr McSherry, who had to close the tea room business he and Michelle ran at their Poplar Cottage home due to lasting effects of their injuries stopping them being able to work, has campaigned for speed cameras along the B4176, which runs off the main Wolverhampton to Bridgnorth Road.

Since 2005, five people have died in crashes on the road, known locally as the Rabbit Run.

Michelle and John McSherrie before the accident

Mr McSherry has written to MP Phillip Dunne, Shropshire Council's highways department and Claverley Parish Council.

He insists four fixed speed cameras need to be installed on the road to make it sufficiently safe. Mr McSherry said: "They've seen for themselves how fast the cars go past, but nothing seems to get done.

"Is it going to take another death?

"Phillip Dunne has written back to me and said he has written to Shropshire Council and expressed my concerns.

"The parish council claim they've tried to get the road looked at, and said they've invited a mobile camera safety unit to come and look.

"That's not what we need, we need the fixed cameras in place as soon as possible."

"That has made me realise even more that life is very precious, and if accidents can be avoided then every possible step to enable that to happen should be taken."

Mr McSherry believes there needs to be a speed camera near the Wolverhampton/South Staffordshire border, another after the junction near Bobbington, a third near Lees Farm Shop and a final one on the straight just after the bends by Claverley Farm. He added:

"Does anyone care that we've already had five deaths since 2005? It's not rocket science, and it won't cost a fortune.

"If cameras are installed and double white lines are put on the road, there will not be another death on the road because of speeding."

Mr Dunne MP said: "I would endorse their calls for traffic calming measures on the B4176, which can be used as a short cut by drivers.

"I have visited them in their home and understand their frustration and desire for more effective measures to keep the road safe."

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