Lowering speed limit one option to improve safety
Speed cameras also suggested by councillor
RESIDENTS have repeated calls to slow speeds on a notorious stretch of the A50 in Groby.
Letters in support of cutting limits to a standard 40mph as well as representations from local councillors were given to officers at County Hall in Glenfield.
Tory ward representative Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, who handed over the letters, has long campaigned for action on the three-and-a-half mile section between the Field Head roundabout and Glenfield Hospital.
He has backed locals’ concerns the carriageway on Bradgate Hill and Markfield Road is too dangerous.
Protests intensified recently following a fatal collision which saw the death of Bradgate Hill resident Amrit Gill and her son Taran. The two were killed in a car crash close to their home on January 29 this year.
Reacting to the con- cerns, Leicestershire County Council consulted on the best measures to implement to cut speeds and hopefully reduce accidents.
Cllr O’Shea said: “Around 150 people replied to the consultation which I was very pleased about and of course the letters which I handed to officers also stressed residents’ concerns. “The consensus I believe
that people want a is reduction in the speed limit and the installation of average speed cameras.
“Now the county officers will have to go through the responses to see what the results are and the director of highways will make a decision on future action.”
Two options for further measures are being decided upon - the first includes closing nine turning points across the central reservation but keeping the 50mph limit, while the second would see the gaps near the Scania depot and Groby Parks Farm remain open but cut the limit to 40mph at the junction with Markfield Road.
Cllr O’Shea added: “It makes sense to have 40mph along Bradgate Hill, it also stops the confusion for motorists travelling between Field Head and Groby having changing speed limits. And it gives the residents of Groby a safer exit on to the A50 from Markfield Road by having the national speed limit reduced to 40mph. I am also campaigning for average speed cameras along this section.”
In 2013 the council introduced a number of 40mph zones along the route following requests from residents concerned about safety, this introduced three different speed limits along the route.