Andrew Griffiths, MP for Burton & Uttoxeter, has been named Road Safety Parliamentarian of the Month by road safety charity Brake, for his campaign to improve safety on the A38.
Mr Griffiths’ campaign began after a serious crash on the road earlier this year, and resulted last month in the Highways Agency closing gaps in the central reservation.
In April this year, sisters Parveen Kauser and Raheela Altaf were killed when their car turned over after hitting the beginning of a gap in the central reservation on the A38. Four others, including three children, were injured in the crash.
Less than 72 hours after the crash, Mr Griffiths wrote to the transport secretary asking for safety measures to be installed on the A38. He also appealed for drivers using the A38 to send him their views the road.
In August, he secured a meeting with the Highways Agency to talk through the issues. The Agency ordered one of the gaps in the central reservation to be closed within two weeks and agreed to inspect the road and verges to ensure maximum visibility.
Julie Townsend, Brake deputy chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Andrew’s campaigning has achieved such positive results so quickly, and Brake is pleased to recognise his success with this award.
“Andrew’s work should encourage others around the country to take action on dangerous roads in their area, and inspire drivers using the A38 to do their bit in making it safer.”
Andrew Griffiths said: “Too many lives are lost on our roads, and the A38 has sadly been a particular example of that. I am delighted that my contribution in campaigning to make that road safer was enough to win this award.”
It was such a gap that killed Mike Hailwood and his family over 40 years ago. After that terrible tragedy EVERY gap should have been closed off so why wait for another fatality to prove that they are hideously dangerous?
Duncan MacKillop, Stratford on Avon.
0