Work due at Great Barr accident blackspot

AN ACCIDENT blackspot in Great Barr is set for road safety improvements following a series of incidents in recent months.

Sandwell Council has confirmed it will be improving the road surface of the A4041 Queslett Road by the M6. It will also be introducing a vehicle-activated speed sign on the stretch.

Traffic lights were vetoed on the Birmingham side of the road by Birmingham City Council's cabinet member for transportation, Councillor Len Gregory, just before Christmas.

However, a further incident close to the Nova Court junction in January may have prompted some action.

The eastbound downhill section of Queslett Road, which heads under the M6, will be resurfaced as Sandwell Council conceded there have been a "number of accidents".

Sandwell Council's cabinet member for neighbourhoods and housing, Councillor Mahboob Hussain, said: "Investigations show the carriageway along this stretch of road is uneven and a minority of drivers are driving too fast there.

"We plan to resurface the carriageway and introduce speed management measures comprising of a vehicle activated sign flashing the 40mph speed limit."

Maureen Byrne, chair of the Oscott Elderly Residents' Association and campaigner for improvements in Queslett Road, said: "From my window in Beasley Grove I see every accident that happens.

"I don't feel the measures proposed are enough, but there is a start of a glimmer of caring coming into it."

Oscott Councillor Keith Linnecor, who has backed the residents' campaign to improve Queslett Road, said: "I am pleased that some progress is being made on that stretch of the road and I hope there's no delay in carrying it out."