Sandwell Council in speed calming U-turn
Speed-calming measures are to be installed along a road in West Bromwich - just months after highways bosses said changes weren't needed.
Measures will be added along Rydding Lane in Hateley Heath in response to a long-running campaign by residents who were adamant action was needed.
An electronically activated speed sign will be installed, while new markings will be painted on the road in an attempt to get drivers to slow down.
The announcement signals a U-turn for Sandwell Council which had previously stated there was no evidence to suggest changes were necessary.
A petition signed by more than 40 people living in the street was handed to the council in March. They maintained there had been a number of crashes along the road - which is near a roundabout joining onto Hydes Road - and favoured speed humps as a solution.
A council investigation found that there had been no accidents that caused injury in the street during the last five years and that the only time someone had been hurt was when a passenger on a bus fell backwards when it had to brake sharply because of an overtaking car. However, bosses have now confirmed alterations will be made.
Under the changes, 'slow' markings will be painted on the road on the approach to the roundabout and the exit onto Rydding Lane. A sign which flashes the 30mph speed limit when drivers are approaching above that speed will also be added.
Hatch markings will be painted on the road at the roundabout to visibly reduce the width of the carriageway. Speed humps are not included in the plans.
Hateley Heath councillor Patricia Davies has backed campaigners in their bid for action and said she was pleased highways bosses had changed their minds.
She said: "Along with my colleagues I have been fighting for some sort of traffic control and calming, there has been accidents down there. Anything that will help cut speeding and accidents down there has got to be advantageous.
"The residents have done an amazing job. I have sat with them when they have been discussing it and I think they have thought about it, decided to look again and that's why they have changed their mind and tried to help with the speeding."
