TRAFFIC “calming” measures in a Cradley Heath road where a pensioner was killed in a hit and run crash are to go ahead – despite some protests.

Sandwell Council proposed the £75,000 scheme in Barrs Road, after a petition from residents about speeding and a high number of accidents.

Local people had called for a pedestrian crossing following the death in January 2013 of 85-year-old Bernard Betts, who was struck by a car in Barrs Road.

And figures showed there had been eight accidents in which people had been injured – including the fatal one, two serious and five slight injuries – in five years.

Checks showed vehicles travelled up to 38mph near the junction with Woodland Rise and 35mph near Trejon (correct) Road, although the limit in Barrs Road is 30mph.

But a report by council officers says it is “impossible” to install a controlled crossing due to existing “dropped crossing” spots.

The recommended solution was for a traffic calming scheme, including narrowing of the carriageway by building out kerbed areas.

Cradley Heath and Old Hill councillor Ann Shackleton said: “Hopefully it will go some way to alleviate the problems, mainly by reducing speed.

“It was difficult to find a suitable spot for a controlled crossing and we just can’t respond to everyone’s suggestions.

“But our highways engineers have listened and, although there have been reservations from some residents, this is a good compromise.”

As a result of the council advertising the proposals, one resident was worried about loss of parking next to his property and another complained no new crossing was proposed and raised concerns about the effect of the measures on his own property.

Officers met residents and agreed to amendments to meet some of the objections – but it was reported to Sandwell Council’s cabinet last week that the scheme should go ahead.

A similar decision has been taken for proposed traffic calming in Harvest Road, Rowley Regis – also costing £75,000 - after petitions from residents about speeding traffic and accidents.

In Harvest Road, residents were concerned about antisocial behaviour caused by speeding scooter riders – and the police reported there had been five accidents there in which people had been injured in the space of five years.

A speed survey found motorists travelling between 34.7mph and 37.4mph along the 30mph road.

But, after the council published its traffic calming proposals, one resident raised concerns about drainage, noise and pollution levels that may be caused by a suggested “speed table” – a flat-topped hump – and possible delays to buses and emergency vehicles.

The council held a meeting with residents, where officers pointed out that the traffic measures would be designed to keep to a minimum any flooding risk and that the speed table was thought to be the best solution.