Safety plan being drawn up in wake of tragic fatal crash near Shrewsbury College

A plan of action is being drawn up to tackle traffic dangers after a motorist was killed in a crash.

Fresh calls have been made for safety measures to be brought in on London Road as well as other main roads in the south of Shrewsbury in the wake of the tragic death of Stuart Hamilton, 63.

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Mr Hamilton, of Jubilee Gardens, Telford, died at the scene outside Prestfelde School on October 7 after he was involved in a four-vehicle collision.

A woman and a girl also sustained minor injuries in the crash. It is not yet known why the collision happened.

There have been many collisions in the area over the years, with residents reporting that one family has had four cars written off in the space of a couple of years.

Now Robin Hooper, former chief executive of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, is preparing a plan of action to put to the police and local councils to see if something can be done to make the area safer.

He said: “The residents in the London Road and Wenlock Road area, parents of children attending the two schools and college, those attending St. Giles Church and people just using London Road and Wenlock Road need urgent action to resolve the traffic dangers that exist, and not just a council spokesperson who says ‘no comment’.

“The traffic dangers in this location are not new and, as part of the planning applications for both the Oteley Road developments and those along Preston Street, issues associated with traffic and highway usage were at the top of the agenda. Yet they were not resolved but the developments have taken place.

“Thousands more traffic movements are taking place each day without any traffic safety measures being put in place. That is not good planning!

“The main roads, that were built to accommodate horse and carriage and pedestrians, are just not fit for purpose to accommodate the traffic of today.

“Add to that people ignoring the highway code, traffic restrictions, etc, from drivers of lorries to cars to bicycles on pavements. It is not unexpected that accidents occur and, with great sadness, a person dies.”

“Where there’s a will, action can be taken immediately.”

Mr Hooper added: “At the request of several people, I am therefore leading and coordinating a plan of action for improvement, to be given to the police and two councils (Shrewsbury Town Council and Shropshire Council), for them to consider and take action on.

“This plan is being produced in consultation with residents who have already approached me from the area, as well as input from professionals including those with personal expertise in traffic management, planning and healthcare.

“Any comments received over the next few weeks will be able to be considered as part of the plan production.

“It is hoped to have the plan issued by early November with copies accessible so people can be part of the debate and support necessary actions being taken.

“Where there is a will, action can be taken immediately. But the will of the council and police has to be there to do that!”