New speed limit will improve safety on A46 in Worcestershire
National Highways is to introduce a new, lower speed limit to improve safety on the A46 near Evesham, Worcestershire.
The limit will be temporarily reduced from 60mph to 40mph over a 1.5km stretch of road at Hinton Cross following a number of collisions, with a view to making the lower speed limit permanent.
National Highways Route Manager Fiona McKenzie said:
“After listening to the concerns of police, parish councils and local MP Harriett Baldwin, we’ve taken the decision to reduce the speed limit to tackle the number of incidents at this location. Slowing the traffic on the main A46 will now give vehicles wanting to join from the local side roads extra time to complete their manoeuvres safely.
“We urge road users to be aware of the reduced limit once it comes into force and to adhere to it for their own safety as well as that of others.”
Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented:
“Anyone who drives along the A46 through Worcestershire knows that this can be a dangerous stretch of road and as someone who regularly has to cross the road, I’ve seen the treacherous junctions at first-hand, many times.
“The community came together and spoke as one voice requesting action and I was happy to lobby National Highways on their behalf. This speed limit is an important first step and I hope that it also comes with a commitment to enforce the 40 miles per hour restriction.
“The most important outcome that we all want is a safer road and the reduction of accidents along the A46, and I am thankful that National Highways has stepped up and given local people what they have campaigned for.”
New signs and road markings will be installed on the A46 from just north of Hinton Cross to just south of the B4078 at Sedgeberrow over the coming weeks.
Dates and traffic management for the work, together with the date the new limit comes into force, will be confirmed in due course.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
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