It was utterly tragic to see a pedestrian life lost on Thorns Road in September 2023.
After this incident, I received numerous correspondence from residents and the Thorns Road campaign group who quite rightly want to see speed control measures on the Thorns Road and a safer road.
I will be working with the West Midlands Mayor Andy Street and local councillors to look at what more can be done to improve safety and to avoid any further loss of life or injury. Speed kills and we must combat the alarming and uncontrollable speeding on this road.
After a public residents meeting held at Thorns Primary School, I contacted Andy Street, West Midlands Mayor, to put forward the concerns raised and to request that average speed cameras be considered along Thorns Road. I have since received an update from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)
I have been advised that Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are in the process of developing a new agreement for speed enforcement amongst local authorities and West Midlands Police. This new agreement will enable the scale up in enforcement.
I understand the positioning of cameras will be based on data and insight but this work - while supported by TfWM - will be led by the local highway authorities.
The WMCA have made sure Black Country Transport are aware of the request for Thorns Road, and they are already aware of the several serious incidents on this stretch of road.