Nick Timothy supports reducing the A143 speed limit near Wickhambrook, following concerns raised by the Parish Council.
The Wickhambrook Parish Council wants a change. They want to reduce the 40mph speed limit to 30mph. This is for Wickham Street. The Suffolk County Council said no in 2022. The road connects Haverhill and Bury St Edmunds. Newmarket is also close by.
MP Nick Timothy met with local leaders. They looked at the stretch of road in question. It’s about 1.5 kilometers long. The council says visibility is poor at most turns.
There are eight turns onto the A143 here. A bus and car crashed at one turn in November. Someone got hurt. Timothy said the area is dangerous. He noted many trucks use the A143.
People walk dogs and kids play there. He wants the speed limit lowered now. The council chairman, Mike Lavelle, agrees. He says it’s a big concern for locals. The council has pushed for this since 2020. They appreciate the MP’s support.
There are 73 homes in the 40mph zone. The council says this exceeds speed policy rules. A fire station, park, and bus stops sit there too. They also say sidewalks are too narrow. Three footpaths connect to the A143. There are no safe crossing spots for people.
The council clerk wants the speed limit reduced. She says the goal is safer roads. She hopes the council acts soon. She fears serious injuries or deaths. The Suffolk County Council studied road speed.
They said a speed reduction was not needed. It didn’t look like a village to drivers, they said. Only one injury crash happened in five years. They have been asked for comment.