New traffic calming measures to get go ahead
Action will be taken to tackle speeding drivers along a busy road in Cradley Heath following a spate of accidents including one which killed a great-grandfather.
Both residents and councillors have raised concerns about the safety of Barrs Road.
Council plans have now been drawn up to revamp the 30mph road to lessen the risk to pedestrians and motorists. These include narrowing the road in some places.
A survey carried out by the council showed drivers were travelling at speeds of up to 38mph near Woodland Rise and 35mph near Trejon Road.
Changes to the road will include the renewal of yellow lines, new signage and a narrowing of the road in some places by extending kerbs.
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Some residents say they were originally against the plans but after speaking with councillors they are now behind the changes.
Mrs Annette Mole, who lives directly opposite a part of the road where a car overturned recently, said: "My original problem was with a refuge they were planning to put in the middle of the road, which would have caused havoc.
See also: Residents of Cradley Heath fatal smash street in appeal for action.
"They have changed the plans now so I don't have a problem with them anymore. The road does need to be slower as people come down it much too fast."
Some residents say they are still unhappy with the plans.
One resident who did not want to be named said: "I signed an objection by another resident and I still object to it because I'm still not sure what the plans are.
"To their credit some planning officials have been out but when we asked for a crossing, which was the most important thing to us, they said no, it was too expensive."
Another resident who lives in a side-street, Mrs Margaret Baker, said: "I have lived here for 20 years and it has always been difficult to pull out because people go so fast. I think the works will be a good thing as long as they can keep disruption to a minimum."
Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment, said: "We are going ahead with the plans to introduce traffic calming measures along Barrs Road.
"We have tried to accommodate the wishes of residents as best we can but I am aware there are still one or two objections outstanding. I believe there is a need for measures to be put in place here and this is a case of the pros outweighing the cons."
