The Highways Agency have now published the results of the safety study of the A12 between East Bergholt and Stratford St. Mary which they carried out at our request. As a result of the study the Highways Agency has said it will not put in average speed cameras along the road, in spite of the high number of accidents. Nor will it lower the speed limit. It is intending, however, to close the gaps in the central reservation at Hughes Corner – the B1068 junction to Higham and at Squirrells Hall LaneThis will not find favour with Stratford St. Mary residents who live along the route of the diverted traffic. The road to Higham from Stratford is also very narrow.Earlier this year we surveyed around 400 households in the villages of Stratford St. Mary, Holton St. Mary and Higham. We received 140 replies. Here are the responses:
Question 1 Would you support a 50mph limit on the A12 from Stratford St. Mary to EastBergholt?Yes 70% No 25% No opinion 5%Question 2 Would you support a right turn ban at the B1068 Higham turning?Yes 81% No 6% No opinion 13%
Question 3 Would you support a ban on Heavy Goods Vehicles overtaking on this sectionof road?Yes 69% No 19% No opinion 12%
How many accidents will it take for the Highways Agency to act here? There are so many parallels with the campaign for the A12 underpass at Capel St. Mary. Sue Carpendale and I were constantly being told that there hadn’t been enough accidents. In the end 6 people died before the underpass construction was complete.