Safety measures axed at Cradley Heath blackspot
Safety measures installed less than a year ago on a road where a great-grandfather was knocked down and killed are to be ripped up following complaints they have had no impact.
Sandwell Council has gone back to the drawing board over Barrs Road in Cradley Heath after admitting defeat about changes that were only completed in March.
Speed tables – raised sections of the road – were added in a bid to slow down drivers but will now be removed.
The measures were brought in to try to improve safety along the road, which has witnessed a number of crashes. In 2013, retired bricklayer Bernard Betts, aged 85, from Cradley Heath, died after being knocked down.
But there were complaints from neighbours almost immediately from neighbours who said the speed tables had made little difference and that the noise of vehicles going over them kept them awake at night. They also said crashes had continued to happen.
A petition was set up and the clamour for change grew so loud highways bosses at the council have made the decision to start again. The road was also narrowed and junctions extended in an effort to improve visibility and these changes will remain in place. Highways bosses appear to have abandoned the idea of speed humps altogether and are instead set to put in place flashing signs that make drivers aware there is a school nearby and warning them to drive at 20mph during school times.
Mother-of-two Anna Cooksey, aged 35, who lives on Barrs Road, said the failed scheme was a waste of taxpayers' money.
Her car was written off after being hit by another vehicle after the speed-calming measures had been laid down. She said: "I agree with the decision to remove the speed table because it is noisy and hasn't made any difference but I think it's a total waste of money and they should have listened to residents in the first place.
"It has been proved the humps haven't made any difference. We need a crossing where people can press a button and the traffic stops.
However, Cradley Heath councillor Anne Shackleton said:
"I support the decision the council has made.
"There didn't seem to be a solution that all residents agreed with. That was a compromise at the time and the council have listened to the public. What is right for one situation is not always right for another."
