Shrewsbury road danger: 20mph call as report lodged in wake of tragedy

Calls are being made for an urgent review of safety in London Road, Shrewsbury after the death of Stuart Hamilton on October 7 in a four-vehicle crash.

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Now a report, prepared by Robin Hooper in consultation with residents, has called for an interim 20mph speed limit to be introduced around the crash scene, as well as a series of other measures.

It warns that residents are concerned that more people could die if safety issues are not addressed.

Mr Hooper, former chief executive of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council, is submitting his report to the authorities today (Friday, October 30).

The cause of the crash in which Mr Hamilton died is not yet known. An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned to January 25 next year.

However, residents and civic leaders have said they have held major safety concerns about London Road and Wenlock Road areas for some time.

One family who live opposite the Prestfelde School exit - the scene of the tragic collision in October - have had four cars written off in recent years.

The new report reads: “Residents are asking the relevant authorities to address longstanding road safety concerns on London Road, Wenlock Road and the adjoining streets.

“These concerns have become more urgent following a fatal collision on London Road in early October 2026.”

The report also refers to previous collisions, near misses and a fatal collision involving a cyclist in 2018.

“The roads serve a mix of residential, educational, community, recreational and commercial destinations,” it adds.

“Residents believe that traffic volumes and patterns have changed substantially as housing and employment areas have developed, while the road network and its safety arrangements have not kept pace.”

The report makes nine requests. They are:

• To introduce an interim 20mph limit on defined sections of London Road and Wenlock Road, with a view to making the arrangements permanent.
• To consider 30mph limits on the connecting sections between the proposed 20mph areas and the outer roundabouts.
• To review adjoining roads linking London Road and Wenlock Road with Sutton Road, including consultation with residents on possible 20mph measures.
• To improve speed enforcement and associated signage on both roads.
• To review HGV movements on Wenlock Road, including compliance with existing weight and access restrictions.
• Review the historical London Road highway changes, including centre-line markings, and investigate the 7.5-tonne restriction on both roads, including proportionate enforcement options.
• Investigate a redesigned access and bus-arrangement solution at Shrewsbury College, including the feasibility of a roundabout and on-site passenger pick-up/drop-off.
• Work with Shrewsbury College on student parking and the potential provision of additional on-site parking.
• Address pavement obstruction and damage caused by vehicles parking or driving on footways and cycle facilities.

“Residents ask the authorities to prioritise an urgent review of speed management and road safety, while progressing the longer-term engineering, enforcement and consultation measures set out in this report,” the report adds.

“Residents are concerned that, without a coordinated response, the area will remain exposed to the risk of further collisions and avoidable injuries or fatalities.”