Speed cameras going up on major Chester A-road where boy was paralysed in smash

New average speed cameras are being installed on a notorious stretch of the A41 in Chester[1] which has seen a number of collisions in recent years - including one that resulted in a young boy losing his ability to walk. More than two years ago we reported how an online petition had been launched calling for safety measures to be introduced on the route between Christleton[2] and Waverton. It was prompted by Christleton High School pupil Ethan Slater, 14, being left paralysed after breaking his back and sustaining a bleed on the brain following a collision[3] with a HGV.

In 2021, the then Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane announced funds would be made available for average speed cameras on several roads where a high number of collisions had happened, including the A41. Thanks to that funding and support from Cheshire West and Chester Council[4], four cameras will start to be installed from Monday, November 13. The work - set to last for three weeks - will take place on the stretch of A41 between Toll Bar Road and Saighton Lane.

The cameras are being set-up to reinforce the existing 30mph and 40mph speed limits in place in that area. Deputy leader Karen Shore said: "It's great news that the new average speed cameras will be installed later this month. Drivers not observing the clear speed limits on this stretch of road has previously resulted in tragic accidents.

We want to do everything possible to make the borough's roads safer for everyone." Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, added: "Making Cheshire's roads safer is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan. Average speed cameras are a big part of achieving this, and I am grateful to the Council for working in partnership on this project.

"I look forward to seeing the positive difference this will make for road safety in the area." To minimise disruption to the public, the installation works will be carried out during off peak times using temporary traffic signals.

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References

1. ^ Chester (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
2. ^ Christleton (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
3. ^ following a collision (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
4. ^ Cheshire West and Chester Council (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
5. ^ 'A41 speed cameras have got to be good idea' says mum of boy hit by HGV (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
6. ^ Emotional moment as Chester teenager paralysed in horrific crash is able to stand again (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)
7. ^ Sign up for CheshireLive email direct to your inbox here (www.cheshire-live.co.uk)