Speed cameras ruled out on B4176 in Shropshire which has claimed two lives this year

Residents, parish councillors and David Perridge, operations manager for the Safer Roads Partnership, took part in discussions on how the B4176, known locally as the rabbit run, could be made safer.

The issue was discussed at a meeting of Claverley Parish Council this week.

Mr Perridge said that speed wasn't the issue in the fatal incidents. He also said that statistics collated by Shropshire Council in 2012 proved that speeding isn't a major problem.

He said: "The data showed that speeding figures were quite low.

"There are different guidelines now. When at one time a camera might have gone straight up after a fatal, now different things are taken into consideration to make sure the right action is taken to improve safety on the roads.

"As it is, the data indicates that a speed camera, whether it was mobile or a static Gatso, would not have stopped these fatalities.

"None of us wants fatalities to happen. In my career with the police I went to around 60 fatal crashes, and I don't want to go to another one.

"A mobile camera costs around £14,000. A Gatso static camera costs around £60,000, plus power, phone line and other costs. Average speed cameras like they have on the motorways cost around £120,000. Every time there is a fatal collision it costs in excess of £1 million to investigate it."

John McSherry, who along with his wife Michelle was involved in a crash in 2009 which left them with serious injuries and a motorcyclist dead, has been campaigning for the cameras for some time.

The 64-year-old said: "One death on that road is one too many, but they keep happening and nothing is done about it.

"Instead of spending the £5m on investigations, a fraction of that could have been spent to make the road safe. I'll keep fighting to make it safe. Even if it's calming measures, something has to be done."

Alveley and Claverley councillor Tina Woodward suggested that an up-to-date study of the road is done in the summer, when more motorcycles are likely to be using it. Members recommended the idea.

The most recent death on the B4176 was two weeks ago, when 18-year-old Jack de Bell died after his Ford Fiesta hit a tree on December 3 near Sutton Maddock.

An inquest into the accident has been opened and adjourned. More details about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy will be given at a full inquest hearing which is scheduled to take place in March.

In July, a man in his 50s died after his Nissan Qashqai collided with a Volkswagen Scirocco. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the July 19 crash, which happened between Upper Ludstone and Upper Aston.

In total there have been five deaths since 2005 and people have been injured in numerous other collisions.