5 days ago
Wrexham Council plans to reduce speed limit on A534 in Holt
It comes following the inquest opening into the death of Emma Jane Hill who sadly died in a crash on the A534 Wrexham Road in Holt on Sunday, April 6.
At the opening of her inquest, coroner John Gittins issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report to Wrexham Council over safety concerns about the road.
He said: "Following discussions with the Roads Traffic Policing Unit of North Wales Police, I am concerned that although at this location the A534 is a comparatively straight stretch road, the visibility from the junction when turning right out of the village in the direction of Wrexham may on occasions be obstructed by signage and/or by vehicles which are slowing to turn into the village.
"Furthermore as this straight stretch of road is subject to a national speed limit following a 40 mph zone, traffic may be accelerating or travelling at speed, thus creating risk both for persons exiting the junction and traffic which is continuing along the main road.
"It is also my understanding that there have been previous collisions in this vicinity in the past."
North Wales East and Central senior coroner, John Gittins (Image: Newsquest) A petition was also launched which called for a reduced speed limit on the road - and has gathered nearly 1,500 online signatures.
Wrexham Council has since responded to the coroner's report - and said it is working with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) on road safety improvements, including a reduction in the location's current national speed limit.
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Darren Williams, the council's chief officer for Environment and Technical, said: "I can confirm that our Network and Asset team leader has liaised with colleagues from CWAC in relation to the speed limit reduction.
"Whilst this would be subject to a formal Traffic Regulation Order consultation process, both local authorities have given a principle commitment to reducing the speed limit on this road and doing so in partnership as the road crosses the border.
"Additionally, the location has been assessed by our Road Safety Officer. It has been determined that the junction would benefit from some minor alterations and we have already raised the sign on the junction to improve visibility.
"The other improvements can be achieved with amendments to the road markings."
