Police crack down on killer road (From Warrington Guardian)

Police crack down on killer road

POLICE aircraft, unmarked patrol cars and motorbikes will carry out high visibility patrols over the next two months on a treacherous Middlewich road that has seen more than 700 accidents in just 10 years.

The A530, from its junctions with the A559 at Northwich and the A525 near Nantwich, was responsible for one sixth of all fatal crashes in Cheshire last year.

Now Congleton and Vale Royal police, Cheshire County Council, Vale Royal Borough Council and Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council are working together to enforce a major plan of action.

They have conducted detailed research to identify the main cause of crashes on the A530 - misjudged speed and distance.

Using the information, they plan to operate a strict traffic enforcement regime, improve driving standards and upgrade signage and road engineering at key points during the months of May and June.

A Congleton and Vale Royal police spokeswoman said: "Each fatal road accident costs the community more than £1m - and it costs individual families years of heartache.

"During the past decade, injury crashes on the A530 have cost the local economy nearly £57 million at current costs, but it has been even more devastating in human terms.

"The agencies involved in the campaign believe that by taking action now, this picture can be addressed.

"But it requires the good will and support of thousands of drivers who travel along that busy stretch of road.

"For the safety of all road users drivers should think carefully about the possible consequences of careless, inconsiderate driving.

"A few moments thoughtlessness can result in tragedy."

The two-month crusade was launched on Monday by Graeme Gerrard, assistant chief constable of Cheshire Police, and officials from Vale Royal Borough Council and Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council.

It includes:

Enforcement - unmarked police cars and motorcycles will participate in high visibility patrols. The police aeroplane will provide air support, identifying drivers who are driving dangerously and at high speed.

Education - drivers with poor driving skills or driving habits will be identified and given helpful advice to improve their driving.

Engineering - this will include the enhancement of carriageway markings, with traffic calming being incorporated where appropriate. Reflective strips will be upgraded, and where necessary signs and road markings will be improved.

Evaluation - the impact the campaign has on crash data will be monitored and evaluated.

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