Van crashed into tree in Wootton Wawen as residents call for speed limit cuts
A CRASH in Woootton Wawen has highlighted the need for better road safety, a resident has told the Herald.
The man, who wished to remain anonymous, saw a red van crash into a tree at The Dale just metres away from the village primary school in a 30-mph speed zone near the Alcester Road junction last Friday, 25th August.
He said three police vehicles and an ambulance arrived at the scene around 2pm. It is believed the driver was involved in a car chase with police, and he was arrested.
Warwickshire County Councillor, Ian Shenton, (Cons, Arden) is using some of his council grant to fund road safety initiatives in Wootton Wawen, Claverdon, Ullenhall, Tanworth and Henley.
“We are looking at the volume and speed of traffic in each area,” Cllr Shenton said. “We would like to place traffic recording lines across roads which will tell us the type of vehicle using them. I’m still looking at the mechanisms and engineering options which can gather data. In the south of England automated community watch speed cameras are being pioneered. They are a cheaper version of speed cameras but don’t issue fines. They do monitor speed and record registration plates and if a driver is regularly recorded speeding they will rise up through the system and receive a letter from the police. I’m trying to find out if there’s a role for these cameras in this area as there is increasing concern about speeding.”
Councillor Shenton added that at this stage practicality would be an important influence on decision making.
“The reality and perception of speeding can be two different things and we have to be practical. We know about flashing signs and slow down school signs. We know about chicanes but these can also create pinch points where the traffic just builds up in a tight area. Speed humps are also a consideration however some residents don’t like them because of the noise they generate. Bearley runs a successful community speed watch team and often there’s a lot of enthusiasm for these initiatives when they start but they do need a constant flow of members to keep them going. We need to gather the information first to see what works best for all,” Cllr Shenton said.
