Hundreds sign petition for speed cameras in village near Leamington

Hundreds of residents in the village of Long Itchington have signed a petition calling for the introduction of average speed cameras.

561 people have signed the petition​ calling for cameras on the A423 and Leamington Road (both of which are subject to a 30mph speed limit) after it was found that 86% of vehicles passing through the village were exceeding the limit.

More than 50% were driving at a speed that would have seen them disqualified from driving if they were caught by police.

There has been one fatal accident and another serious one on the A423 since the petition was started.​

“It is a sad state of affairs when villages need more people to die in order to get the measures we so desperately deserve.”

–Kieth Turnecliff

At a full council meeting held on 29 September, former police officer Keith Turnecliff presented the document to Warwickshire County Council and explained the rationale behind it.

He added: “The area that causes me most concern is at the entrance to the Two Boats public house on Southam Road where vehicles accelerate down the hill travelling south and those travelling north fail to brake before entering the 30mph zone.

“There has been a fatal accident at this location in the past albeit more than five years ago, and two HS2 eight-wheel tipper lorries were clocked at 48 and 55mph at this location, both travelling north. A high speed of 73mph was clocked going south.”

According to Mr Turnecliff, other vehicles had been clocked doing in excess of 60mph at other locations in Long Itchington, and he warned that it is possible that further deaths could follow if cameras are not introduced.​

He said: “I believe there will be more fatal accidents on this section of road and in the village before too long.

“It is a sad state of affairs when villages need more people to die in order to get the measures we so desperately deserve.”

The council’s portfolio holder for transport and planning, Cllr Wallace Redford, said: “The county council takes road safety extremely seriously and I will ensure that officers review the location and I will respond to you shortly.”