New signs to stop speeding in Wem

Shropshire Council has agreed to take action to help reduce the problem of speeding traffic in Wem.

It is looking at installing 20mph signage on the approach into the town centre.

The signage will support a new vehicle activated speed sign on Mill Street, which Wem Town Council has agreed to fund.

Officials from Shropshire Council met with residents in Wem on Thursday to discuss the traffic issues.

Resident John Hand said: "It was good to meet David Gradwell and to have the opportunity to discuss the many traffic issues in Wem that have raised repeatedly with Wem Town Council.

"We felt the meeting was very positive and a great opportunity to voice the concerns of the residents of Mill Street and Wem town centre.

"We are delighted that Mr Gradwell has agreed to install 20mph repeater signs including roundels and road markings on Mill Street on both directions, and has confirmed he has the budget and authority to undertake this.

"These traffic calming measures will be implemented in addition to the vehicle activated sign on Mill Street, already agreed by Wem Town Council.

"We were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the suggestion of speed pads for the three pedestrian crossings in the town and a possibility of a trial. We also discussed the need for the zebra crossings to be repainted on the High Street.

"We discussed the continuous problems at the junction of Mill Street and High Street and the need for this to be addressed, priority has to be given to the pedestrians when considering highway issues, and a pavement is for pedestrians and not for vehicles to mount.

"We also discussed the issue of traffic and HGVs in the town, we understand this has been an issue for many years with no solution to date."

Dave Gradwell, Shropshire Council’s area traffic engineer, said: “At a meeting with some residents of Mill Street, Wem the residents raised various issues about traffic and road safety in Wem, and in particular, speeding and safety issues within the 20mph zone on Mill Street.

"These concerns have also previously been raised by both the local Shropshire councillors for Wem and Wem Town Council.

“In order to help with speed reduction on Mill Street, Wem Town Council have agreed to fund the provision of a vehicle activated speed sign, and the work to install this sign are currently being arranged.

"To further reinforce the 20mph zone on this approach into Wem town centre, Shropshire Council will also look to install a number of 20mph repeater signs and roundels on the road.

"The provision of these signs/road markings was already under consideration following the previous concerns raised.”