Ian Austin MP welcomes new speed cameras on 'dangerous' Birmingham New Road
MP Ian Austin has welcomed new average speed cameras on a 'dangerous' road in Dudley – and said he promised to continue making road safety his priority.
The MP for Dudley North has been working with local councillors Alan Finch, Margaret Aston, Ken Finch and Keiran Casey along with residents Gordon Laird and Terry Ledbury to get the cameras installed on Birmingham New Road.
There were strong concerns about speeding in the area – especially following a serious crash back in March in which two young brothers died.
Speed cameras had already been put in place on one section of the road, but these average speed cameras will look to slow traffic down on the entire stretch.
They have been placed near the junction with Woodcroft Avenue, and hope to improve safety when pulling out.
Mr Austin said: "Residents have been telling me for years how concerned they are about speeding on the Birmingham New Road.
"I promised to make road safety a priority of mine so I am glad to have been able to deliver on my promise and get something done on this dangerous stretch of road.
"The static speed camera opposite the Aldi has slowed traffic outside Woodcroft Avenue, but these average speed cameras should slow people down on the whole stretch of the road."
Local resident Gordon Laird, who has been pushing for traffic calming measures with co-campaigner Terry Ledbury, added: "Cars very frequently travel at excessive speeds and are putting lives at risk on this road.
"We are grateful for Alan, Ken, Margaret, Keiran and Ian's support to get these cameras fitted and we hope they'll make a difference for local people"
The MP has also organised for a petition, signed by 500 people, to be submitted to the council after residents in the area raised concerns about road safety.
Multiple calls have been made for the road to be made safer after a 23-month-old toddler and a 10-year-old boy were killed in a car crash on the main road into Wolverhampton.
The crash, involving three cars, happened on the Birmingham New Road at the junction with Lawnswood Avenue.
