Local MP and councillors call for meaningful action to stop speeding at Blithfield Reservoir

A wide variety of measures which could stop speeding at Blithfield Reservoir were discussed at a key meeting last Friday.

Reducing the speed limit, installing speed cameras, improving signage and introducing traffic-calming measures such as chicanes were all suggestions discussed at Admaston Village Hall. Installing gates to prevent groups of people congregating next to the reservoir was another idea brought up at the meeting.

There is no formal proposal to introduce any of these ideas at this stage, but they were mentioned at last week’s multi-agency meeting.

Among those who attended the meeting were Dave Robertson, MP for Lichfield, Burntwood and The Villages, representatives from Staffordshire County Council’s Highways department, David Evans, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire and PCSO Tim Leathers.

Also in attendance were Cllr Catherine Brown (Needwood Forest Division), Cllr Janet Higgins (Lichfield Rural West) and Cllr Gary Hales (Uttoxeter Rural), as well as members of Abbots Bromley, Colton, and Blithfield Parish Councils.

The meeting was arranged earlier this year to discuss many problems caused by vehicles on the B5013. These include excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking, organised and spontaneous racing events involving cars and motorbikes, and hazardous junctions and poor visibility.

Since then, a 25-year-old man was killed after a crash on the B5013. Wesley Williams, from Smethwick, died when he was hit by a car on the road at Blithfield Reservoir.

This tragic incident has highlighted just how important it is to make this stretch of road much safer. Residents are encouraged to report incidents of dangerous driving via this link https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Dave Robertson said: “I am committed to pushing for meaningful action to make this road safer for everyone. This meeting was an important opportunity to discuss some of the measures that could bring about that change and I’d like to thank everyone who attended, including local councillors, Parish Councils, and representatives from Staffordshire County Council and the police.”

Mr Robertson added: “I was deeply saddened to hear about the recent fatal accident involving a pedestrian at the junction of the B5013 causeway and Watery Lane.

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life, and also with those who witnessed this traumatic event. This incident shows how important it is to make sure that changes happen to make this road much safer as soon as possible.

“I’d like to thank everyone who wrote to me in advance of this meeting. I was able to raise the points you made both about your concerns regarding driving on this stretch of road and possible solutions.

“I’d also like to highlight the petition created by Laurel Doveston-Proud, a local resident, which calls for a reduction in the speed limit and the implementation of safety measures.

"It has already gathered over 1,200 signatures and if you haven’t signed it yet I would strongly recommend doing so. You can find the petition here Petition · Reduce speed limit over Blithfield reservoir. Save lives! - Rugeley, United Kingdom · Change.org

Cllr Catherine Brown said: "I was glad that all the stakeholders I invited attended the meeting on Friday to discuss how existing speed limits and regulations on the B5013, including the Section 59 regulation order at Blithfield Reservoir could be better enforced.

“Also, how these restrictions on bad behaviour could be further improved since the recent fatalities. There will be further meetings between the responsible bodies once further data and information is gathered to guide next steps.

“I will continue to press for a solution so residents and visitors can enjoy Blithfield Reservoir in a proper manner, and everyone is safer using the B5013."

David Evans said: “As chair of the Staffordshire Safer Roads partnership I am determined to see better working between local authorities and the police, both strategically across the county, but on the ground as in the case of Blithfield Reservoir.

“It is vital we continue to press for safer roads across Staffordshire, ensuring we can all use the roads safely.”