MP backs A21 average speed cameras to improve safety

Two cars crashed head-on on the A21. Photo by Dan Jessup

There have been a number of serious crashes on the main trunk road to London recently and has been named as the highest risk road in the country.

Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman backed Highways England’s plan to place the cameras along the main road from Hastings to Lamberhurst.

The Conservative MP believes the measure, although unpopular, is necessary to tackle the amount of crashes on the road and slow down drivers.

Bexhill and Battle MP Huw Merriman believes something needs to be done about the A21's safety

“So I am pleased that for the interim, Highways England is currently in the design stage of a proposal to introduce average speed cameras between Lamberhurst and Baldslow, just north of Hastings,” he said.

“Whilst this measure may not be popular with some drivers, it is clear that we need to do something now to encourage drivers to keep to the speed limits which protect our communities along the A21 and other road users.

“Should this additional safety measure be implemented, we are pressing Highways England to consider reopening the duelled section north of Hurst Green in order to deliver both safety and extra road-space.”

The danger of the A21 came to light again after [http://www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/news/local/update-two-men-in-hospital-after-car-and-van-crash-on-a21-1-7439032|two men ended up in hospital after a crash in Whatlington} on June 20.

Mr Merriman has previously supported improvements to the A21, like in Hurst Green

The latest fatality was Pamela Gargaro, 73, from Kent, who died in a head-on collision in Kent Street on June 1.

Mr Merriman paid his respects to Ms Gargaro and described the road as ‘one of the most dangerous in Britain’.

“The recent fatal accident on the A21 was a terrible tragedy and my heartfelt sympathies go to the relatives of everyone involved and especially the lady who sadly died,” he said.

“Whilst I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of the police investigation, this dreadful accident only serves to remind us that the A21 is one of the most dangerous roads in England.”

An accident scene on the A21 near Hurst Green. SUS-150722-134242001

Highways England named the road as the highest risk road in England in September and the authority implemented a number of measures to try and improve safety, including resurfacing and changing the speed limits.

Mr Merriman said he is working with Hastings and Rye MP Amber Rudd and the A21 Reference Group, as well as meeting highways bosses, to lobby for further improvements.

“I met the chief executive of Highways England and raised the problems of the A21 with him,” he said.

“We discussed our local ambition to upgrade the whole road to make it safer for all road users and reduce congestion to help our local businesses.

“I will be working closely with Amber Rudd MP and other colleagues on the A21 Reference Group to ensure we lobby successfully for further investment in this road.

“[But] I am realistic that major road improvements do take time to achieve.”

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