Town split over lowering of speed limit on notorious road

People in Wem said today they were torn over whether introducing a lower speed limit on the A49 from Hadnall to Preston Brockhurst would help save lives following two fatal crashes in less than 11 weeks.

A call for action was made last week from one of the victim's brothers who said the limit should be lowered and warning signs installed – but residents said they were unsure.

Rory O'Brien said: "The speed limits are OK, it is the fact nobody bothers with them.

"The police need to do random speed checks and make their presence felt on these roads."

Last Wednesday, 32-year-old Sebastian Ward, from Wem, died in a three-car crash in the area.

Mr Ward was driving a Ford Ka when he was involved in a collision with two Vauxhall Movano vans.

In June, 27-year-old motorcyclist died at after a crash at the Grinshill junction.

His brother, Callum, 24, last week called for a lower speed limit or signs warning drivers of the number of deaths and collisions along the roads.

But many residents say they fear a lower speed limit would have no effect and it was instead down to the carelessness of drivers.

Pauline Rogerson, another residents, said: "I have massive sympathy for both the families.

"But to put a 40 mph from Hadnall to Preston Brockhurst wouldn't make any difference as it wouldn't stop people from speeding.

"What is needed is better road signing and road markings.

"I too have lost a sister in a road accident so I know your heart ache and in her case it was totally the road signage. "But it was also a bit of road that is used as a race track. No amount speed limiting would stop speed unless it is enforced by the police or cameras."

But some people commenting on the idea agreed with the plans.

Emma Louise Stirton said: "I would sign a petition to get the speed reduced down that stretch of road, too many people have died along there over recent years."

Liz Parish added: "It's not the road that is dangerous it's the people who do not observe speed limits.

"It is so sad when lives are lost and families devastated."

Police have appealed for witnesses to last week's crash which happened at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 381s of August 26.