Traffic roundabout plan after fatal car crash

A new mini-roundabout could be installed at a junction close to where a Shrewsbury mother-of-one died following a car crash, highways chiefs said today. The crash happened in Hubert Way, Herongate.

It comes as officials say they are close to introducing speed limits which they say will help to improve road safety around Ellesmere Road and the Herongate estate.

Jodie Kirkham, 24, died after the car she was a passenger in left the road on March 30 last year.

Following the incident Shropshire Council set aside funding to cut the speed limit along Hubert Way from 40mph to 30mph. Hugh Dannatt, group manager for traffic and highway engineering, today said the council was hopeful a traffic island could be installed.

He said: "The legal processes for extending the 30mph speed limit in Ellesmere Road to just north of Hubert Way have been completed, as have the legal processes for reducing the speed limit in Hubert Way to 30mph.

"Unfortunately we do not have the sufficient budget to progress a scheme to construct a roundabout and pedestrian refuges at the junction of Hubert Way and Ellesmere Road this financial year, but we will endeavour to include this scheme in a future programme."

Jodie's brother Craig Kirkham said reducing the limit would help but he also said the road should be narrowed to encourage drivers to "take it easier".