Wrekin MP and police commissioner 'incredibly disappointed' as average speed cameras for Shropshire A41 'accident blackspot' rejected
A decision to reject average speed cameras on a notorious stretch of the A41 in Shropshire has been met with an angry reaction from both an MP and the police and crime commissioner.
Mark Pritchard and John Campion voiced their frustration after a long-awaited report, commissioned by Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council, concluded that there was 'no clear justification' for installing the cameras on the 26.7-mile route between the M54 at Tong and the Prees Heath roundabout near Whitchurch.
Both Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils say no decision has yet been made,. but both authorities are expected to adopt the findings of the report.
Mr Pritchard, MP for The Wrekin, said it was 'one of the worst decisions' he had seen locally, and said Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin councils would be 'hugely irresponsible' if they rejected the cameras.
“The A41 is known to be a dangerous road," he said. "Many people are killed and injured on it every single year.
“I secured funding for average speed cameras almost two years ago, with support from John Campion the West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner, and I am hugely annoyed both councils, have now effectively vetoed the average speed cameras."
The report, carried out by infrastructure firm Amey, found that while the A41 had a significantly higher rate of serious and fatal collisions than the national average, many of the issues related to poor signs, worn markings, and inconsistent road layouts rather than excess speed, and provided a series of recommendations for improvements.
