Crashes prompt urgent action from Highways boss

A highways boss has been praised for listening to concerns about a main road following a number of crashes, including a fatal incident which killed a young dad.

Cllr Karl Perks, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport, met with several councillors to hear their ongoing concerns about the safety of the A4440 Southern Link Road in Worcester.

The meeting followed a number of crashes, including at the Norton and Ketch roundabouts, one of which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist, 22-year-old Marshall Myers.

The father-of-three was on his way to a car boot sale when he crashed into the A4440 roundabout between St Peter's Drive and Norton Road on June 15.

One suggested solution, made by Cllr Louis Stephen of the Green Party, is average speed cameras.

Cllr Perks met with county councillors Cllr Louis Stephen, Cllr Martin Allen, St Peter's Parish Council chair John Renshaw and district councillor for Kempsey, David Harrison.

Cllr Stephen, a Green councillor who had called for the meeting, said: "We are very concerned about the safety of motorists getting on and off the roundabouts and we want immediate action not more delay.

"It was a polite first meeting but I do wonder if our requests for action will be met with real action. Cllr Perks said he'd consider our requests and get back to us. I'd like to thank him for taking the trouble of seeing first-hand the issues local people are facing."

Cllr John Renshaw said the discussions focused on the Norton and Ketch roundabouts.

He said: "He was very open-minded and listened to what we had to say, asked us questions and was very straight with us.

"We were very encouraged and he said he would go away and discuss our concerns with his officers. We will have to see what comes of that." 

He said while Cllr Perks was at the Ketch roundabout, there were 'several incidents' where car horns were heard and 'a few near misses'.

Cllr Perks said: “It was incredibly valuable to stand alongside my fellow councillors and see the issues being discussed, not just hearing about them.

"Being there in person brought clarity and I hope it reinforces my commitment to working with people across the county. I left the meeting with several potential actions that I believe could bring positive outcomes, if they’re able to be implemented.”