Villagers campaign to cut road's speed limit

Villagers are campaigning to reduce a road's 60mph speed limit following complaints of cars being driven at more than 100mph past their homes.

Residents have called on councillors to cut the speed limit to 40mph on the B5066 Hilderstone Road near Meir Heath, Staffordshire.

It is hoped this will create a "buffer zone" before the 30mph section of the road through the village.

Staffordshire County Council said requests for speed limit changes needed to be "thoroughly investigated" to make sure they were appropriate.

Resident Penny Meakin said lowering the speed limit would make it safer for nearby "areas of concern", including crossroads, sports grounds and care homes.

"The speed goes from 60mph to 30mph and the road is used by vulnerable school children, elderly residents, walkers, joggers and equestrian riders. Something has got to be done," she said.

Despite the current 60mph limit, residents, including Ms Meakin, reported seeing vehicles exceeding this, claiming that some were being driven at well over 100mph.

Councillor Ian Parry, who represents Stafford–Stone Rural at the local authority, said he had been working on the issue for years.

"Getting traffic to reduce its speed before it reaches the village is a real safety benefit," he added.

A petition has been signed by more than 500 people in the village and will be presented to the council.

Councillor Mark Deaville, the authority's cabinet member for strategic highways, said the council took road safety "very seriously".

"Requests for speed limit changes need to be investigated thoroughly to ensure the changes are appropriate," he added.

He said the authority would consider any petition and "respond accordingly".

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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