Plea for 30mph limit on 'confusing' road

A 30mph limit should be introduced at an accident blackspot road between Kidderminster and Bewdley because of conflicting signs said to be confusing drivers, it was warned today.

There are several signs ranging from 30mph to 40mph along the B4190 back road between the two towns within only a mile. Now Worcestershire County councillor Nigel Knowles has called for a blanket speed limit of 30mph to be imposed along the whole length of the road.

He says there has been two deaths along the route in the last few years and action was needed.

He said: ""If a motorist is driving towards Kidderminster they can see a 40mph sign but going into Bewdley it is 30mph.

"County council officials say there is no problem with speeding but from reports I have seen they are looking at the wrong data and think the limit along the road is 60mph.

"They have carried out a speed survey and claim drivers are not travelling too fast, but this is based on data that claims the road is subject to a 60mph limit.

"I am now calling for a single restriction of 30mph to be imposed along the whole length of this road to avoid confusion for drivers and to force them to slow down."

Jon Fraser, Highways manager for Worcestershire County Council, said: "There are several advisory signs along this route.

"We are currently carrying out a comprehensive review of speed restrictions on all A and B-class roads across the county.

"As part of this process of seeking consistency with how speed limits are imposed the B4190 road will be one of those we will be looking at and taking account of as part of this review of restrictions."