How many tragedies will it take

Feb 8 2007 By Neil Elkes

A BIRMINGHAM road which has seen six deaths in six years has missed out on the latest round of speed cameras.

Campaigners were outraged today that their safety 3,000-name petition calling for improved safety in Queslett Road, Great Barr, seemed to have little effect.

The petition was launched following the death of 14-year-old pedestrian Lauren Ellis in October.

Families were stunned when, out of 200 new speed cameras approved in the West Midlands, not one would be placed on the road, which has seen an average of 20 serious accidents each year.

It is only following two deaths last year that the road may now qualify - in 12 months' time.

Coun Keith Linnecor (Lab, Oscott) said: "This road has an accident record on a par with anywhere else in the Midlands and something needs to be done, sooner rather than later.

"Parts of Queslett Road are treated like a racetrack by some drivers. In many areas people are opposed to speed cameras, but they would welcome them here."

In three-and-a-half miles of 40mph dual carriageway there is

just one speed camera, covering one lane on the stretch of road opposite the Deers Leap pub.

Coun Linnecor has called for a conference between transport officials from the three authorities, Birmingham, Walsall and Sandwell, responsible for Queslett Road, to deal with the problems. So far, nothing has been done.

"Those responsible need to go away and review their safety policies, because clearly it is not working here."

A spokeswoman for Birmingham City Council's transport department said that Queslett Road's accident record was not been deemed serious enough to request speed cameras in this year's bid.

"There have been two fatalities in the last year and so it will be going forward for consideration next time," she said.