Sandwell wins national road safety award

Sandwell Council has won a national road safety award for its work to make the A4030 in Smethwick and Bearwood safer for everyone.

The council received the Exemplary Urban Scheme Award from the Road Safety Foundation at a ceremony in the House of Lords. Judges praised Sandwell for turning road safety data into real improvements that make a difference to local people.
 
The award recognises a major programme of improvements along the busy route, which includes new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, safer facilities for cyclists, wider pavements, and lower speed limits and measures to reduce road dangers. It is forecast to prevent around 24 deaths and serious injuries over the next 20 years.
 
The project followed the Safer Roads Fund approach, using evidence and road safety analysis to identify risks before collisions happen and make roads safer for all users, especially pedestrians and cyclists.
 
The award highlights the success of the £750,000 Government-funded scheme in delivering long-term safety improvements and creating a safer environment for people living, working and travelling along the A4030 corridor.
 
The award came during the final week of Sandwell's Safer 6 campaign, which focused on the town of Smethwick and encouraged residents to work together to create safer, cleaner and healthier neighbourhoods through safer driving, considerate parking and looking after the local environment.
 
Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement, said: "We are delighted to receive this national award. It is a fantastic achievement and recognises the hard work of everyone involved in delivering this scheme.
 
"We have been able to make significant improvements on the A4030, making it safer for people walking, cycling and travelling through the area. These improvements also support the aims of our Safer 6 campaign by helping to create safer and more welcoming communities.
 
"I would encourage residents to continue playing their part by driving carefully, parking responsibly and helping to keep our neighbourhoods safe and clean."