West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed reports which show that a new speed limit along a dangerous stretch of the A46 has led to reduced speeds.

The MP supported a campaign to reduce the speed limit through the stretch of road at Hinton Cross where there have been a number of fatal accidents in recent years. National Highways implemented a 40 miles per hour temporary speed limit earlier in the year and latest data shows that average speeds have reduced along the road by more than ten per cent.

Harriett has contacted West Mercia Police to carry out spot checks to slow drivers down but the evidence released by National Highways shows that the new speed limit is working. She also repeated her call for the installation of a vehicle activated sign to reinforce this progress

Harriett said:

“This is great news for the residents in villages around this busy road who have had to risk their lives crossing into fast-moving traffic at this dangerous junction.

“The data shows that average speeds have been reduced to just over 40 miles per hour and I want to pay tribute to the local campaigners who have worked so hard to press for this change.

“It is clear that the 40 limit was the right choice and I hope that National Highways will now look to making this change permanent.

“Of course, some drivers will still ignore the limits and I repeat my call to West Mercia Police to carry out some obvious spot checks along the area of the new speed limit.

“Driver behaviour has improved in recent months but during the winter, this can be a really dangerous road to navigate so I hope the police will do their best to carry out enforcement in the usual way.”

Photo: (l-r) Local campaigner Lucy Fletcher, Harriett Baldwin MP, Nigel Huddleston MP, Cllr Karen Rowley, Cllr Sue Morris and National Highways Head of Planning and Development Victoria Lazenby at the 40mph marker on the A46 at Hinton Cross.