Councillors express disappointment with A12 safety study (South Suffolk Liberal Democrats)

South Suffolk Liberal Democrats <southsuffolklibdems@googlemail.com>

Councillors express disappointment with A12 safety study

November 14, 2009 11:00 AM

Local Liberal Democrat councillors Sue Carpendale and Kathy Pollard have expressed their severe disappointment with the results of a safety study on the A12 between East Bergholt and Stratford St. Mary.

As a result of the study the Highways Agency has said it will not put in average speed cameras along the road, in spite of the high number of accidents. It is intending, however, to close the gaps in the central reservation at Hughes Corner - the B1068 junction to Higham and at Squirrells Hall Lane.

Commenting on the reaction from the highways committee Cllr Sue Carpendale said "I am extremely disappointed that the Highways Agency are failing to take further action to reduce accidents. Questions must be raised about how many accidents it will take for the highways agency to react to this situation. We had a similar fight to get the A12 road underpass at Capel St. Mary. Six people died at the junction before the underpass was built."

"The short slip roads at all the junctions from East Bergholt to Stratford are very dangerous both for traffic entering the A12 and for vehicles on the A12 who frequently find a slow moving pulling out in front of them. We carried out an extensive survey in May which showed that the vast majority supported both a lower speed limit and speed cameras. Whilst many also supported the closure of the gap at the B1068 junction there were concerns about the extra traffic which would be generated in Stratford St. Mary."

Cllr Kathy Pollard added "We have long campaigned for improvements on this section of the A12. Essex seems to be getting the lion's share of the £120m funding for improved safety on this extremely busy road. Yet again Suffolk is losing out. However we will not give up our fight, as we are not prepared to let down local residents."