Christmas has come early for road safety campaigners after it was revealed mobile speed cameras will be introduced this week – after 12 years of campaigning and a serious accident.
Residents, councillors and campaigners from Hadley Park Road Action Group are celebrating after it was announced mobile speed cameras have been introduced on the Leegomery road.
Earlier this year a young boy was hit by a car on the road and was taken to Birmingham hospital for care.
Campaigners have been attending meetings for years including the Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council and Partners and Communities Together (PACT) where the road was earmarked as an ongoing priority.
This week the Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia said a new mobile speed enforcement site has been launched for the next six months.
Sharon Howells is a member of Hadley Park Road Action Group which was set up in 1997 to lobby officials into making the road safer.
She said: “It’s absolutely great news.
“We have finally got a mobile speed camera and I would like to thank everybody involved who helped this to happen.
“Hopefully now people’s lives will be saved.
“It is very exciting, Christmas has come early. It took 12 years but we got there. I am over the moon.”
She praised Hadley and Leegomery parish councillor Ron Plenderleith for all his help.
“Ron has been absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I can’t thank him enough.”
Ron Plenderleith said: “It’s fantastic that people power can help to change a situation. The campaign has been organised and run by local people with the help of council professionals, the local policing team, parish and borough councillors.
“Hopefully no one will get injured now. That is what it is all about.”
Christine and her daughter Melissa Perry, who live on Hadley Park Road, have also been campaigning.
Mrs Perry said: “It is great news. I am really pleased there is some action. I hope it does solve some problems.”
Councillor Steve Bentley, Cabinet member for environment at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “We have listened to the concerns of the public and have acted to make this road safer for residents.”
Councillor Pat Smart, chairmain of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, said: “The introduction of the site is great news as residents have been campaigning for action to be taken for some time. It is hoped that the new mobile enforcement site in Hadley will reduce the speeds of drivers and make the road safer for everyone.”