A COUNCILLOR has accused police of no longer enforcing speed limits - saying it means speeding drivers are ‘flagrantly’ breaking the law. County Councillor Tom Wells has started a petition for police to be deployed to roads where drivers “significantly” ignore the speed limits.
He said the problem had become more serious during the coronavirus lockdown as motorists had been using village lanes and roads as a racetrack.
In an open letter to Anthony Bangham, chief constable from West Mercia Police, Cllr Wells said: “It would appear that you no longer deploy any of your officers to enforce such limits, and consequently motorists now flagrantly break the law, knowing they will not face any penalty for doing so.”
Cllr Wells, who lives in Powick, said: “We have had few vehicles on the road, but it’s been an invitation for some drivers to treat our lanes and roads as a race track. Worcestershire residents deserve the right to live in a safe and secure environment where motorists do not adversely impact on their well-being.
“Our lives are being increasingly blighted by the total disregard for local speed limits by some drivers. We need to change people’s mindset and make speeding socially unacceptable, like drink driving.”
Cllr Wells said he wants to work alongside the police force to form a campaign which focuses on making speeding “socially unacceptable.”
He is also calling for wheelie bins to have stickers placed on them which says “30 means 30” as a constant reminder for drivers to abide the speed limit.
West Mercia Police have said tackling road safety remains a ‘key priority.’
Chief inspector Gareth Morgan said: “We are listening to and working with local communities to tackle road safety issues, including speeding. Within force, we have a robust Roads Policing and Roads Safety Strategy in place with well-established working relationships with our partner agencies. Our serious injuries and road deaths are down across the three counties within West Mercia, but we absolutely recognise there is much to do, one road death is one too many.”
READ MORE:
Worcester's Buzz Bingo club permanently closes after years in the city
Cherry Orchard Primary School set to join The Rivers CofE Academy Trust
The petition is at change.org/p/chief-constable-west-mercia-police-greater-speed-limit-enforcement-in-worcestershire?
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel