A CALL to review the speed limit is one suggestion on how to improve safety on a busy main road out of Reading.
Last Tuesday, a motorcyclist and a lorry were involved in a collision on King’s Road.
The woman riding the white Yamaha motorcycle was left with life-threatening injuries and transferred to the John Radcliffe Hospital where she is receiving treatment.
The incident happened close to the junction with Rupert Street around 3.04pm on Tuesday, December 14.
Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses.
Investigating officer, PC Jennifer Lawrie of the Roads Policing unit based at Three Mile Cross police station, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the woman injured in this collision.
“We would like to speak with anyone who has information which could assist with us as we investigate the circumstances of this incident.
“If you have dash-cam and were in or around the area at the time, please take a look and share anything significant with police.”
Anyone with footage or information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43210563942.
The collision is one of a number of incidents that have taken place on Kings Road in recent months.
The road is a major route in and out of Reading, and is one-way to traffic except for buses, taxis and two-wheeled vehicles.
Reading Borough Council says it will be pressing the police to look at handing over speed enforcement powers, which would allow it to be pro-active.
Cllr Tony Page said: “Reading Borough Council has not yet received a police report about the incident on King’s Road so cannot comment on the circumstances or cause of the accident. However, when a report is supplied we always analyse the information and consider any matters of concern that may need addressing.
“The Council is aware that speeding remains an issue on this stretch of road as well as many others in the Borough.
“Unfortunately, speed enforcement is currently a police responsibility which receives only occasional attention.
“The Borough would like to take over speed enforcement (in the same way as we did parking enforcement 20 years ago), but the Police oppose this even though it ranks as a very low priority for them. We will again press this matter when we meet the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner next month.”
Green party leader and Park ward councillor Rob White said his party had previously asked for road safety improvements on Kings Road.
“Having a section of 20mph on King’s Road, like there is on the Wokingham Road, would slow traffic down and improve road safety,” he said.
“Previously we also contacted the police on this to make sure they were carrying out speed traps – which they were at the time.”
He called on the community to add their support to such an initiative.
“It would be great to hear from anyone wanting to help campaign to improve road safety on King’s Road. You can contact me at rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk or on 07985 923938,” he said.
“Together we can make a difference.”
And the Conservatives said if they ran the council they would take swift action to make the borough’s roads safer.
Councillor Jane Stanford-Beale, the Conservatives’ Shadow Transport Spokesperson on Reading Borough Council, said: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the young woman who was so seriously injured in the King’s Road collision and her family after such a dreadful incident.”
She added: “If Reading’s Conservatives were in power on Reading Borough Council we would do our utmost to improve our town’s road safety as swiftly as possible by taking action in several key areas:
“We would ensure the highest levels of road maintenance are carried out to to prevent accidents, particularly those due to potholes which are especially dangerous to cyclists, something that’s particularly important given the Council’s stated desire to make Reading as cyclist-friendly as possible.
“While making sure that high-quality white lining is maintained on the roads, along with proper street lighting throughout the town, we would also forensically analyse local accident figures to identify any trends and particular locations that need to be prioritised for urgent improvement.”
She continued: “Local residents often know exactly where the most dangerous places are and we would listen to them closely when they make suggestions about any changes to roads management that they feel are necessary, for example, over the creation of more School Streets and the provision of safer resident parking.
“We would also actively promote close partnership working with Thames Valley Police, our local Safer Neighbourhood Forums and other community groups to bring in improvements such as more Community Speedwatch schemes and the promotion of the Safe Drive, Stay Alive campaign for school children so that they understand the potential consequences of accidents before they even begin to learn to drive.
“We would also work hand-in-glove with TVP to promote action – and the enforcement of penalties – against those drivers who persist in committing drink and drug driving offences.”
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