THERE are fears a child could be killed on a 40mph stretch of road as residents plea for the speed limit to be lowered.
Naquita Lewis, who lives in Tunnel Hill, a neighbourhood just outside Upton upon Severn, said Welland Road can be “intimidating” for pedestrians, who sometimes have to walk in the road to let pushchairs and mobility scooters pass.
“That hill has got a very narrow pavement and it can be quite intimidating when you’re walking there,” she said.
“As a parent, trying to walk into town, or for people in mobility scooters, you might think of driving instead because it can be scary.
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“If we are trying to encourage people to be more sustainable, people need to feel safe.”
Mrs Lewis has launched a petition to lower the speed limit to 30mph, which she hopes will improve the safety of those walking to and from the town.
“There’s a lot of evidence that anything above 30mph, the risk of death is higher,” she said.
The petition has already amassed more than 100 signatures, and Councillor Martin Allen, who represents Upton upon Severn on Worcestershire County Council, has agreed to table a motion to reduce the speed limit.
Having made the suggestion multiple times in the past, he has now called for a “common sense” solution, especially after permission was granted to build 60 new homes in Tunnel Hill.
“When the current limit was imposed, Tunnel Hill wasn’t the size it is now and it’s still growing,” Cllr Allen said.
“There are more children than ever before, who are having to cross a busy road to get to the play park.
“I feel that the speed needs to be revisited. I’ve asked before and the county council has turned me down more than once.
“It might add a minute to people’s journeys, if that. I think a child’s life is worth a minute.
“All I’m asking for is a bit of common sense.”
Worcestershire County Council has been contacted for comment.