High tech solution for well-known blackspot

11:43am Tuesday 4th March 2008

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HEREFORDSHIRE Council has resorted to a high technology solution to get motorists to slow down along the A4103 at Fromes Hill, a known accident blackspot.

Illuminated speed indicator devices (SIDs) have been installed there to show approaching drivers that the speed limit is 40mph.

The council is currently using two of its four SID units at Fromes Hill, following local concern about the road, including from the parish council.

There has been a spate of serious accidents along the stretch in recent months.

In November a 39 year old man died when his car left the road a struck a tree at Fromes Hill.

Just a month earlier a car overturned, also after leaving the road along the stretch.

And last April, a 51 year old pedestrian died there after being in collision with a lorry.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, the authority's cabinet member for highways and transportation said: "We have bought the SID units to help reduce the number of speed-related accidents on our roads.

"We're working in partnership with parish and town councils that have identified a need for a SIDs in their area."

But the SIDS, which can be moved from place to place, are more than fancy warning signs.

Cllr Wilcox said: "As well as indicating the speed of passing vehicles, the units collect data such as traffic volume and speed.

"The data can then be used to identify whether further enforcement action is needed."

Any local town or parish councils keen to make use if the new SIDS should phone Herefordshire Council's road safety unit on 01432 260224.