A SOUTH Worcestershire village has received a £1,500 boost in a bid to halt speeding motorists which are flouting the law as they pass through.
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion has allocated the cash to purchase and install five pairs of white gates to sit at all entrances to the village of Crowle.
Crowle currently has a vehicle activated sign and a community Speed Watch group but motorists are still choosing to ignore the 30mph limit with the sign recording between 700 and 3,000 drivers breaching the limit each week.
Speeds in excess of 45mph have also been recorded when the police have carried out speed monitoring sessions on the main road through the village.
Mr Campion said: “Crowle residents have tried to find a solution to reducing speeding through their village but motorists continue to ignore the measures that have been put in place – ultimately putting people’s lives at risk.
“Residents are so passionate about creating a safer community, that I am more than happy to support them.
“I hope these white gates will act as a reminder to motorists that they should respect the village and speed limits that are in place for a reason.”
Marie Eastwood, Crowle Parish Council Chair, said: “Speeding traffic has been a massive problem in Crowle, and it is only getting worse.
“Data we’ve collected from Speed Watch and speed monitoring signs provide the hard evidence and we are determined to tackle the issue.
“Thanks to the Police and Crime Commissioner, we have been able to fund five pairs of white gates, one at each entrance to the village.
“We know that from empirical evidence that these gates can reduce speeds by up to 10mph.
“This sort of difference can save lives.”
Another speed sign is also being bought with the help of New Home Bonus money from Wychavon District Council and the parish council is hoping the Safer Roads Partnership will run monitoring sessions too.
“We want to thank the PCC and those who have dedicated so much time and effort to these projects – we hope that drivers will slow down through Crowle and other villages to help make rural roads safer for pedestrians, cyclists and horses as well as other vehicles.”
