The Member of Parliament for Burton and Uttoxeter, Kate Kniveton, has backed a petition for speed cameras to be installed on the B5030 between Uttoxeter and Rocester following the recent tragic death of a young girl in a road traffic collusion.
The petition is calling for the instillation of an average speed check camera system with the aim of reducing speeding and dangerous driving. Studies have shown that average speed check cameras can effectively reduce both cases of speeding and collision incidents (Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2018).
The local MP has previously worked with residents and the petition organiser, Laura Cooper, following past traffic incidents on the stretch of local road, regularly raising concerns with the Highways authorities, Staffordshire County Council, Safer Roads Partnership (Staffordshire) and the Department for Transport.
In recent years, concerns about this stretch of road have grown with the increase in traffic as Alton Towers and JCB have expanded. This increase and calls from the MP and residents have led to Staffordshire County Council currently undertaking a revision of the safety measures along the B5030. The Local MP has written to the Chief Executive of the Council, highlighting this revision as a good opportunity to address the safety concerns on this road, including the suggestion of installing average speed cameras.
Commenting, Kate Kniveton MP said:
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the awful news of a fatality on the B5030, my deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of the young girl who lost her life in this tragic incident.
“I fully support Ms Cooper’s petition and have met with her and other residents previously, adding to the growing number of calls for the County Council to do more to address the safety issues on this stretch of road, which is as busy as many category A Roads.
“Whilst the presence of cameras can never stop all collisions, I do believe that the installation of average-speed cameras along this road would help to reduce serious and fatal collisions and improve safety. I therefore am supporting this petition and hope that other residents will sign it too.”
