Petition demanding safety measures on Sutton Coldfield road where woman died gains 2,200 signatures in 24 hours
More than 2,200 people have signed a petition demanding the urgent implementation of safety measures on the Sutton Coldfield road where a 21-year-old woman was killed at the weekend.
Two women were struck by a car just before midnight on Friday night on Brassington Avenue, a 21-year-old woman died at the scene and another woman suffered injuries to her leg.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving with one being bailed with strict conditions while an investigation continues and the other being released with no further action.
Brassington Avenue, which is part of the ring road and runs alongside the car park of the Gracechurch Shopping Centre, has been the source of complaints from residents for years. Plans for a brand new apartment and leisure complex were blocked by complaining residents 20 years ago and efforts to improve safety have come to nothing.
Under the title Implement Pedestrian Safety Measures on Brassington Avenue a petition was launched on Change.Org demanded Birmingham City Council take action to keep pedestrians safe.
The petition was started by Sutton Coldfield resident Jacob Harding yesterday (Monday) and clocked up 2,200 signatures within 24 hours.
He said: "Brassington Avenue has long been a source of concern for local residents due to poor safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
"The tragic accident that recently occurred, claiming the life of a young woman and injuring another, has brought to light the urgent need for change. As someone who walks this road regularly returning from the train station, I can personally attest to the risks involved.
"The road is notorious for being treated like a racetrack, lacking necessary traffic calming measures. Vehicles speed through with little regard for the safety of pedestrians, and this reckless behavior is facilitated by poor infrastructure that encourages high speeds. Additionally, the narrow pavements force pedestrians into the road at times, further endangering those on foot. This unsafe environment is a serious failing of local road design that demands immediate attention."
Despite recognising the dangers posed to pedestrians on Brassington Avenue in the 2020 Sutton Coldfield Masterplan, nothing has been done to remedy the situation.
Mr Harding added: "Statistics show that areas with comprehensive traffic calming measures see a significant reduction in accidents.
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"According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, implementing speed humps and extending pavements can reduce traffic accidents by up to 40 per cent. These measures are essential for Brassington Avenue to safeguard pedestrians and drivers alike.1
He added: "The council must act now by installing traffic calming measures and widening the pavements.These changes are imperative to prevent future tragedies and provide a safer environment for the community. We cannot afford to wait for another accident before taking action."
Fellow Sutton Coldfield resident Alex Perrins backed the petition, he said: "Good idea. My close friend's brother died on the same road 30 years ago. Nothing has changed since."
A vigil for the young woman who died was held on Brassington Avenue, Robert Thorpe who attended said: "I was there and people were still driving past like lunatics."
