Bewdley Bypass: New speed limit now in place on killer road

A petition was previously launched calling for changes to the A456 Bewdley Bypass following recent fatal crashes and other serious incidents on the road.

The Worcestershire County Council review, which was launched earlier this year, took place after they received views and feedback from local road users which focussed on the section of road between Clows Top through to the West Midlands Safari Park.

Action has now been taken with a temporary 50mph limit in both directions and a ‘no overtaking’ order on the downward lane of the Bewdley Bypass introduced from Friday, July 26.

Councillor Dan Morehead, who represents Bewdley on both the county and district council, confirmed the new measures last week.

The measures will be in place while a longer term, permanent solution via full Traffic Regulation Order is submitted.

A petition was set up by mum Libby Marshall calling on the local authorities to "acknowledge the necessity for desperate changes."

The A456 Bewdley Bypass (Image: Libby Marshall)

She welcomed the safety measures and said: "I think the whole community is really pleased with the outcome. They are good changes if they are enforced.

"Hopefully we'll see a reduction in accidents in the upcoming months".

The Shuttle recently reported the death of motorcyclist Adam Robson, aged 47, from Bewdley, who died after a crash on the Bewdley Bypass in June this year. We also reported on the death of motorcyclist Ryan Hastings, aged 32, from Kidderminster, who died in a crash in August last year.

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport said: “This review and recommendations is a great example of the county council listening to local people and taking swift action where we are able and is appropriate.

"In this case, reducing the speed limit and stopping overtaking on this stretch of road temporarily, is a step forward on making it safer".

The Traffic Regulation Order, which could take up to nine months to be fully agreed and in place, will propose that the temporary 30mph on Callow Hill be extended past the Wyre Forest visitor centre and become permanent, and the remainder of the A456 from Long Bank to the Safari Park be reduced to 50mph. The temporary limits will remain in place throughout that process.

Mark Garnier, MP for Wyre Forest said "The proposed changes to the A456 from West Midlands Safari Park through to Callow Hill addresses many issues raised by residents and road users.

"The review was requested by local Council Representatives, John Campion the Police and Crime Commissioner and me, and represents local democracy working for the community at its best.”

As well as changes to the speed limits and no overtaking signs, the permanent solution will include improvements to the West Midlands Safari access junction, the B4195 roundabout, the B4190 Cleobury Road roundabout, Lye Head Road junction, Wyre Forest access junction, A4117 Cleobury Road junction.

Improvements in these areas include additional signage, amends to surfacing and changes to lining.