A deeply concerned councillor has called for urgent safety measures after crashes on a city road near three schools, including one where driver ploughed into multiple cars.
Cllr Atif Sadiq has called for a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures to be introduced on Wyld’s Lane in Worcester after concerns over speeding and a serious crash earlier this month.
AFTERMATH: The crash left multiple vehicles damaged in Wyld’s Lane in Worcester (Image: Newsquest)
West Mercia Police confirmed that one car was involved and had collided with multiple other vehicles at around noon on October 22. The road was closed for at least an hour following the incident
Cllr Sadiq, a Labour Party councillor for Fort Royal, said: “I am deeply concerned about speeding across Fort Royal Ward, particularly following the serious accident on Wyld’s Lane on October 22.
“This incident has heightened concerns about road safety and the need for urgent action to protect our community. Fort Royal Ward is home to three schools and a large population of children and young people.
“Excessive speed puts schoolchildren, pedestrians, cyclists, residents and all other road users at unacceptable risk. Our children deserve safe roads, and our residents deserve action – not empty promises.
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“I will continue working with my colleague, Cllr Jabba Riaz, who is already in contact with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Tom Wells, on other highway issues and is proactively seeking improvements to road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.”
He said he and Cllr Riaz were calling for practical measures to make their streets safer, including 20mph speed limits in appropriate residential areas and around schools across Fort Royal Ward; speed bumps and other effective traffic-calming measures on roads where speeding is a particular concern; increased speed monitoring and enforcement to deter dangerous driving; stronger action from the police and relevant enforcement authorities against drivers who break speed limits and put lives at risk.
He added: “Preventing accidents must be a priority, not an afterthought. Appropriate speed restrictions, effective traffic calming and consistent enforcement can all play an important role in reducing vehicle speeds and improving safety for everyone.
“I also urge the police, highways authorities and relevant enforcement teams to take residents’ concerns seriously and ensure that road traffic laws are properly enforced. We must not wait for another serious accident before taking action.
“I urge Cllr Jabba Riaz, the police and the relevant highways authorities to listen to residents and work together to deliver urgent, practical road safety improvements across Fort Royal Ward. Our children must be able to travel to school safely. Pedestrians and cyclists must be protected. Residents should not have to live with the fear that speeding traffic puts their families at risk.”
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: ” We recognise the concerns raised by residents and local members about road safety in the area. We will work closely with the police to understand the circumstances surrounding this incident and will continue to support work to promote safer behaviour on our roads.
“We will also liaise with local members about the concerns being raised in the area and consider whether any further measures would be appropriate as part of the Council’s ongoing road safety work.”
We have approached West Mercia Police for comment.
