A section of a major link road in Shrewsbury will have its limit set at 50mph as part of a scheme to reduce vehicle speeds across the town.

Councillors agreed­ to create the limit on the Robertson Way section of the A5112 corridor as part of Shropshire Council’s Urban Speed Management Strategy. The wider scheme extends the length of the corridor from the A5/A49 roundabout near Dobbies in the south to the A49/A53 Battlefield roundabout in the north.

An objection was lodged ahead of last week’s central planning committee meeting.

It was claimed that Robertson Way, particularly at the roundabout where Oswell Road joins, was unsafe for people trying to cross the road. It was also pointed out that speed limits were “inconsistent” along the route.

But councillors agreed to the plans on officer recommendation.

A report to the committee says: “There are currently 30mph, 40mph and national speed limits on this route. Informal consultation was carried out in November 2007 with Shropshire County councillors and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough councillors and following analysis of the recorded vehicle speeds on the A5112 between Meole Brace and Telford Way it was proposed to reduce the speed limit on these lengths to 50mph with a reduction to 30mph at the roundabouts on this route.

“The proposals also include a reduction to 30mph for the entire lengths of Battlefield Road, Whitchurch Road, Sundorne Road and Featherbed Lane. Hereford Road and Telford Way will remain at 40mph and Haycock Way is also to be included within the proposals for a 50mph limit.”

Officials say that during the consultation only one objection was raised from a member of the public while police were also consulted and did not raise any concerns.

The report says: “The objector would also like consideration to be given to a review of the need to further provide a formal crossing facility at this location and this will be taken as a request by the Traffic Management and Regulation Team and reviewed accordingly.”

Council chiefs say the limits will help to reduce approach speeds of vehicles and assist with crossing movements.

By Russell Roberts