Express & Star

Richie Nelson death: Action to be taken on speeding motorists

Action will be taken to tackle speeding drivers along a busy road in Smethwick where a 23-year-old died in a horrific crash.

Published

It was the second fatal accident in less than 12 months on Thimblemill Road prompting police to look at how to make the road safer.

Richie Nelson, aged 23, died after suffering a cardiac arrest when the car he was driving hit a tree last month.

In December, retired toolmaker Alan Jones, aged 67, was knocked down as he crossed the street.

Police have announced a plan to clampdown on motorists flouting the 30mph speed limit by bringing in mobile speed cameras.

Officers are also in talks with the council about more permanent measures which would help to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

The move has been supported by ward councillor Richard Marshall who said he would welcome improvements and confirmed there was a problem with speeding.

Flowers left at the scene of the crash in Thimblemill Road, Smethwick, where Richie Neilson was killed

He added: "It has been a been an issue for some time but more recently because of the two fatal accidents in 12 months.

"It is a long, winding road but there are straight stretches where people tend to travel faster than they should.

"The police are looking at what can be done there.

"It's a main bus route so that may impact on what traffic management options there are.

"It does need something to be done so I'll be interested to see what the police come up with."

Thimblemill Road, in Smethwick

The Abbey Police team, led by Sgt Giles Dean, said: "There was a fatal road traffic collision on Thimblemill Road last month which highlighted the importance of road safety. Our thoughts go out to all the people affected by this tragedy.

"We have asked the force traffic department to conduct some enforcement activity in the area.

"We will also be discussing the possibility of any longer term traffic management options on Thimblemill Road with our partners at Sandwell Council."

Sandwell Council is also looking to make improvements on another accident blackspot road.

Both residents and councillors have raised concerns about the safety of Barrs Road in Cradley Heath.

The road has a history of accidents and last year retired bricklayer Bernard Betts, aged 85, from Cradley Heath, was knocked down while walking his dog.

Changes to the road will include the renewal of yellow lines, new signage and a narrowing of the road in some places by extending the kerbs.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.