Callow Hill: Group calls for speed limit cut after tragic crash
The Callow Hill Road Safety Group (CHRSG) is a community-led group campaigning to improve the safety of all road users on the A456 at Callow Hill, near Bewdley. The group, formed of Callow Hill villagers, is calling for “immediate action” to make the road safer and reduce the risk of further deaths and injuries. The group submitted a freedom of information request to the council and discovered in just over 20 years, around 19 fatal or serious collisions have occurred in the stretch of the A445 at Callow Hill.
A further crash claimed the lives of four-year-old Keegan Fettis, his mum Gemma Hobbins, 32 and her friend Cody Smith, 28, this year in May. An inquest found that ‘excessive speed’ was a factor in the tragedy. Gemma Hobbins, Keegan Fettis, and Cody Smith (Image: West Mercia Police)
The action group has said the road experiences high levels of traffic including large numbers of goods vehicles and is also concerned about the safety of school children crossing the road. The road is currently subject to a 40mph speed restriction, but they claim this should be 30mph, which is implemented in other nearby villages. Pat Hodges, the leader of the Callow Hill Road Safety Group, said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragedy that took place in May of this year.
“I have lived in this community for 46 years. Traffic has become heavier and faster. The council’s re-surfacing of the road in 2019 was abysmal.
The road condition is terrible and the noise has escalated – it’s impossible to have a road-side conversation. “We need real, tangible action now. We have witnessed traumatic, heart-wrenching events in our community for too many years.
We need others to do all that they can to minimise the risk of future tragedies. Enough is enough. “All we are asking is for the road to be made safer for everyone – the speed is just one element.
Other interventions to protect road users are also required.” James Baker, press officer for the group, said the fatal crash in May this year was the “final straw” and action now needs to be taken. The fatal crash happened in May this year (Image: SWNS)
He said: “It doesn’t meet the needs of the community. The national guidance is 30 miles an hour for villages. “We also feel they could install better signage.
We feel the road surface is not fit for purpose. “Our thoughts continue to be with the friends and family of the three deceased persons that that awful incident back in May”. The Callow Hill Road Safety Group has a page on Facebook.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We are continuing to liaise with residents who have shared their concerns with us about speeding along the A456.
“We will continue to work with the police and local elected representatives following the inquest, its findings, and the outcome of the police investigation to explore possible measures.”