West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed action to reduce speeding along a dangerous stretch of the A46 between Ashchurch and Evesham.

Harriett has campaigned for more than two years to implement a new speed limit and other measures to reduce speed along the stretch of road at Hinton Cross where there have been a number of fatal accidents in recent years.

Initial studies have shown that most drivers are sticking to the new 40 miles per hour limit but the MP wrote to Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion urging him to act to increase enforcement at the accident blackspot.

He has written to Harriett confirming that West Mercia Police is collating speed data and also carrying out ‘reasonable and proportionate’ enforcement.

National Highways is also developing a plan for a speed activated warning sign but the costings for this project will not be agreed until the summer.

Harriett said:

“I continue to hear evidence from local people that some drivers are not sticking to the new speed limit, and it is the general view of local people that they would like to see increased enforcement.

“I’ve passed this message on to the Police and Crime Commissioner and he has given his backing. Road safety is one of his priorities and he has reassured me that enforcement is being carried out.

“This is a busy and potentially dangerous road, especially where cars cross the A46, and I will continue to press for any measure which will reduce the risk of serious accidents.

“It is one of the most common issues that I pick up in the doorstep when I visit the area, and this is reassuring news. The speed activated warning sign can’t come quickly enough, in my opinion, but I welcome any police intervention to increase road safety.”