Sandwell Council has been honoured with a national road safety award for a wide-ranging programme of works on the A4030 corridor through Smethwick and Bearwood. The authority received the Exemplary Urban Scheme Award from the Road Safety Foundation at a ceremony held in the House of Lords.
Evidence-led work to cut danger on a busy route
The scheme was developed using the Safer Roads Fund methodology, which prioritises interventions by analysing collision risk and road safety data rather than waiting for accidents to occur. The council says the package of measures is expected to prevent around 24 deaths and serious injuries over the next 20 years.
- Upgraded and new pedestrian crossings to improve safety for people on foot
- Enhanced cycling facilities to support safer journeys by bike
- Wider pavements and traffic-calming measures, including lower speed limits
The work was backed by £750,000 of government funding and forms part of the council's recently run Safer 6 campaign, which concentrated on Smethwick and promoted safer driving, considerate parking and improvements to local public spaces.
"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," said Councillor Bob Jones, Sandwell Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Enforcement.
Local benefits and practical effect
Council leaders and road safety campaigners say the combination of engineering changes and lower speeds will make the corridor more welcoming to people travelling on foot or by bicycle and reduce the likelihood of serious collisions. The award citation highlighted the council's use of data to translate risk analysis into practical improvements that make a difference to local people.
Residents and road users can expect the following tangible changes along the route:
- More formal crossing points at key desire lines
- Improved space for cyclists, reducing conflict with general traffic
- Redesigned kerblines and wider pavements to support pedestrian movement
Project summary
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | A4030 corridor, Smethwick and Bearwood |
| Funding | £750,000 (Government-funded) |
| Forecast impact | Approx. 24 fewer deaths/serious injuries in 20 years |
The council has urged drivers and residents to support the wider Safer 6 objectives by continuing to drive carefully, park considerately and help keep neighbourhoods clean and safe. The recognition at Westminster serves both as validation of the council's approach and as a prompt for continued vigilance from everyone who uses the A4030.
Further details about the improvements and the Safer 6 campaign are available from Sandwell Council's environment and enforcement team.
