Two mini speed indicator devices are being installed at locations across Sandwell to tackle concerns regarding vehicles driving at excessive speeds.
Children from Year 5 at George Betts Primary Academy voiced their concerns regarding the speed of vehicles travelling along the A457, Birmingham Road to their class teacher. The children decided to write letters to Sandwell Council requesting that action was taken.
Sandwell’s road safety team visited George Betts Primary Academy and spoke to the children about the roles of highways officers, the types of engineering measures and educational initiatives that they deliver.
Children met with Oldbury fire crew who were delighted to see the speed indicator device in action on the A457, recording the speeds of passing vehicles.
Councillor Danny Millard, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment, said: “There has been an increase in road safety measures and initiatives such as this example at George Betts Primary Academy in Smethwick. “We’ve seen the number of road casualties reduce by almost a fifth between 2017 and 2021, and the number of accidents and injuries involving children have reduced by 30% during the same period.
“We are proud to be working with West Midlands Fire Service who are helping us deliver our road safety programme to target roads where we know speeding is an issue.”
Working in partnership with West Midlands Fire Service, fire crews are installing these portable devices at given locations, for two weeks at a time, to collect speed data that can be shared with West Midlands Police.
Watch Commander Adrian Spencer, of West Midlands Fire Service’s community safety team, said: “We know, sadly, that speed is a common factor in collisions in which people are seriously injured or killed. “Our partnership with Sandwell Council means we’ll be able to drive home that message to road users, so they consider the potential consequences of their behaviour on the road. “Speed data from the trial will help us to tailor and target our road safety work across the borough, to help keep all road users safe.”
Joe Watson, teacher at George Betts Primary Academy said: “'We really enjoyed having Karen and officers from West Midlands Fire Service at our school. They taught the children about their careers and the importance of road safety - a few pupils were lucky enough to be taken out in the local area too! This experience has encouraged our pupils to really think about the safety of themselves and others when out and about in the local community.”