Posted on Friday 19th July 2024
Jonathan Price (front) and Jeremy Pert
A crossing point on a busy Stafford road is to be upgraded by the county council to significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The informal crossing point on the A513 Beaconside links new housing development to the north at Marston Gate with Parkside to the south. Its use has increased in recent months as more houses are built and occupied.
Now the county council has agreed to invest £150,000 to upgrade the crossing to a controlled one, using developer contributed funds. It will mean residents living in the new developments will be able to safely access the wider walking and cycling network in Stafford.
In addition, the 50mph speed limit will be reduced to 30mph on this stretch of Beaconside as a further safety measure. The crossing installation is planned to take place this financial year.
A stretch of Beaconside is being improved by the developer to create a dual carriageway and the Redhill island is having traffic signals installed.
The highways team and local county councillors Jeremy Pert and Jonathan Price have been working with the developers to ensure any community concerns can be addressed.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Mark Deaville said:
Safety on our roads is an absolute priority to us and we’ll act promptly wherever there are community concerns.
A considerable amount of housing development is taking place north of Stafford off Beaconside which is welcome in supporting the growth of the town. Much infrastructure improvement in the area is taking place or planned, and as a county council we’re working to ensure this takes place in a timely manner.
We’ve decided to step in to install this much-needed controlled crossing now as more people move into the new homes. Of particular concern is the increase in children crossing at this point to the schools on the other side of Beaconside. Reducing the speed limit here is also essential.
I’d like to thank Jeremy and Jonathan for their hard work in bringing this scheme forward.”