'We want to prevent more deaths on our roads'

3 hours ago

Paul Rogers

Local Democracy Reporter

Councillor Elizabeth Barker, for Shifnal Rural, is one of two councillors who want to prevent deaths on the roads in the area

Shropshire Council A woman against a plain white wall. She has long blonde hair and a white top — Councillor Elizabeth Barker, for Shifnal Rural, is one of two councillors who want to prevent deaths on the roads in the area

Councillors in a Shropshire market town have said they want to do all they can to prevent further fatalities on roads, following the deaths of three teenagers.

Jenson Bridges, 17, had only passed his driving test the day before his Audi A1 hit a tree on Offoxey Road near Tong on 14 March.

The teenager, from Brewood, Staffordshire, died along with two passengers - Simon Evans, 18, from Perton, Staffordshire, and Jacob Homan, 17, from Tettenall, Wolverhampton.

An inquest held earlier in July heard that toxicology reports showed no sign the teenager's driving had been impaired, but there was evidence to suggest his driving was "excessively quick".

"Since earlier this year, we've been working together to tackle the rise in antisocial driving in and around Shifnal," said Reform UK councillors Thomas Clayton, for Shifnal North, and Elizabeth Barker, for Shifnal Rural.

"It's something residents bring up with us more than anything else, and we're determined to do something about it."

The three teens died in the crash, which an inquest said was because of a lack of driving experience and inappropriate speed

FAMILY PHOTOS The tightly-cropped faces of three young people, the one on the left has black curly hair, the one in the middle has short blonde hair and the one on the right has a grey cap and glasses — The three teens died in the crash, which an inquest said was because of a lack of driving experience and inappropriate speed

The councillors have focused on several areas to make improvements, including working with local police and community safety teams, supporting the use of mobile speed cameras, and urging locals to take part in community speed watch programmes.

They have also spoken to councils about traffic calming options, and been promoting awareness of Operation Snap and Section 59 - resources which allow the public to report dangerous and antisocial driving.

"We have asked for data on other incidents along Offoxey Road," said Clayton.

"This tragedy has to mean something. It's a moment to take a step back, reflect and act.

"We must support young drivers better, we must make our roads safer, and we must do what we can to make sure no other family has to go through this."

The Audi carrying the four teenagers crashed on Offoxey Road on 14 March

A hedgerow with a section missing runs alongside a road, with flowers wrapped in plastic leaning against a tree trunk. — The Audi carrying the four teenagers crashed on Offoxey Road on 14 March

No-one witnessed the crash, but investigators believed the driver had over-corrected after going over a dip in the road, causing the car to enter a spin and hit a hedgerow and then the tree.

No defects to the Audi or road surface that might have caused the crash were found, with a lack of driving experience and inappropriate speed deemed the cause.

The pair did not believe that there should be a six month ban on under-21s carrying passengers, as suggested by the AA.

"There are young people under 21 who are the only drivers in their family, or who help out in their community," they said.

"We have to think logically, they shouldn't lose their freedom because of someone else's mistake."

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.