§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will review the decision by the Highways Agency regarding traffic calming at the junction between the A49 and the Condover turning; [93078]
(2) what accidents have occurred in the last 10 years at or near the junction between the A49 and the Condover turning. [93079]
§ Mr. JamiesonI am satisfied that the Highways Agency's decision not to extend the existing 30 mph speed limit on the A49 to include the Condover turning is correct. On the basis of the criteria that we use to decide appropriate speed limits, an extension would be very difficult to justify. In addition, West Mercia Police have confirmed that they would not support an extension in this case.
The Route Management Strategy for the A49 between Ross-on-Wye and Shrewsbury is looking at all existing speed limits along the route in the light of the criteria to ensure consistency. That work will include the Condover turning where there have been two personal injury accidents in the last 10 years. A report is due in the spring.
The introduction of speed limits is very carefully controlled as, to impose an inappropriate limit that would not appear reasonable to most drivers in the prevailing conditions could bring the national system of speed limits into disrepute and lead to greater non compliance.