CAMPAIGNERS are calling for the council to crack down on speeding motorists who use Howley Grange Road as a rat run.

There have been a number of incidents and near misses on the Halesowen road, while the local friends group have even recorded a car driving at 85mph – 55mph above the speed limit - on the residential street.

What makes the incidents even more concerning for residents is that the road is home to Howley Grange Primary School.

However, Councillor Karen Shakespeare, cabinet member for environmental services, said Dudley Council has not received any reports in relation to accidents on the street, but did say imposing an advisory 20mph zone on the road during school opening and closing times will be looked into.

But Jenny Clulow, a resident of the street and committee member of the Friends of Howley Grange, said her neighbours are “very disappointed” that the council has not made the road a priority.

She said: “Vehicles are speeding, overtaking on bends, and tailgating, as the road is also used as a cut through from Bartley Green to Spies Lane and vice versa.

“When we contacted Cllr Shakespeare she could not advise us of time scales when the road will be looked at.”

The friends group, which was set up in 2016, has “tirelessly” campaigned for safety measures to be implemented on the road.

As part of their campaign, the group have issued a petition to the council and worked together with local children to design a banner which is displayed outside the primary school.

Now they are working with Watch Commander Paul Stephens of Woodgate Valley Fire Station to monitor the speed of traffic, recently installing a speed indicator device showing “shocking results”.

During the survey, which was conducted during 16 days and positioned at the Seven Acres junction – 150 yards from the school entrance, it was found almost half (47.19 per cent) of readings were in excess of the 30mph speed limit, with 15 per cent of drivers doing more than 36.3mph.

They also found on each of the 16 days, a speed over 55mph was recorded, with an average max speed of 69mph, while every day from 8am to 9am and from 3pm to 4pm, a speed of more than 45mph was recorded, and an average max speed for this period of 50mph.

Jenny added: “We have been campaigning for Howley Grange to be made safer for two years but yet we seem to be ignored and put to the bottom the list.

“It sounds like they [Dudley Council] are waiting for an accident to happen before something is done.”

Cllr Shakespeare said: “We have not received any reports in relation to road accidents on Howley Grange Road.

“However, as part of a future safer schools programme we will be looking to introduce an advisory 20mph zone along the road during school opening and closing times to encourage more considerate driving.”

For more information about the friends group, search Friends of Howley Grange on Facebook.

On September 25, a meeting is being held at Howley Grange Primary School for all residents to attend alongside local police and councillors, where concerns and possible solutions will be discussed.