More than 600 people have signed the Crow’s petition calling for change on the A505 between Royston and Baldock – just one week after it was launched.
We are pleased, but not totally surprised by the response as we know so many of you feel strongly about this stretch, which has a 70mph speed limit despite having several cut-through junctions in the central reservation for access to villages, slip lanes that are too short and poor visibility.
Crashes have blighted this road and particularly this stretch for years and seem to be happening more and more, so we started our Make the A505 Safer campaign two weeks ago to push for change, and will not stop until this happens.
We thank readers for leaving their comments of support and sharing their stories when signing our petition – which had already amassed more than 560 signatures by the time the Crow went to press yesterday.
Lisa Childs said: “I have lived locally for most of my life, I have seen numerous accidents and lost two good friends on this road. Please make it safer!”
Alison Dyche posted: “Having lived in Steeple Morden for nearly 11 years, there has never been any significant improvement to the junction. It feels as though neither Herts nor Cambs county councils want to take responsibility/bear the cost, despite numerous accidents and frightening near misses. Wouldn’t a roundabout help to slow traffic and make rights of way understandable?”
Janet Boost said: “This road really scares me and I worry if my grandchildren need to use it. I’ve lived close to it for more than 40 years and barely a month goes by when we don’t hear of another accident. I’m sure something could be done to improve safety on it.”
Michelle Garner wrote: “It’s dangerous, end of. Too many accidents. Too many losses. We need traffic control and easier access to the villages! Make us safe!”
Simon Berry added: “The accident figures speak for themselves. How many more families must suffer life-changing injuries or loss?”
The road should make it easy to connect our picturesque and rural villages with Royston, Baldock and beyond, but it’s clear from your messages instead many are concerned and even scared for their own and others’ safety while on this stretch because of its problems, for which Herts County Council needs to take action now to improve before more people are hurt – or worse.
Crow editor Nick Gill, who has spoken to ITV Anglia this week about the campaign, said: “We have made a great start – but it is only that, a start. We are realists and know change takes time – but showing the strength of feeling right now can only help our cause.
“Herts County Council is due to conclude a feasibility study in March, so time really is of the essence. So I urge you to sign our petition and share it with friends – reaching 1,000 by next week is now the aim.”
Go to www.change.org/p/hertfordshire-county-council-make-the-a505-safer-between-royston-and-baldock if you support our call for action.
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