UK’s Most Dangerous Roads Receive £9.5m Safety Investment

The UK government is investing £7.6 million to improve safety on the A57 Snake Pass, one of England's most dangerous roads connecting Manchester and the Peak District. This funding, part of the Government's Safer Roads Fund, will address hazardous conditions caused by sharp bends, steep gradients, poor visibility, and the effects of climate change-related landslides, with plans including average speed cameras, improved signage, and a dedicated motorcycle safety barrier. The road, heavily used by over 300,000 motorists annually and with a troubling accident history, will benefit from measures aimed at preventing serious collisions and fatalities over the next 20 years. Local leaders, including Greater Manchester's Mayor Andy Burnham and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, have welcomed the investment, emphasizing the route's importance for regional connectivity and economic activity. Separately, concerns about road safety have also been raised at the A48 in Westbury-on-Severn, where a low railway bridge and high speeds have led to numerous accidents, prompting calls for lower speed limits and traffic calming measures. Additionally, calls for urgent speed control measures, such as speed bumps and increased police presence, have been made in Accrington due to persistent dangerous speeding on residential streets, highlighting ongoing efforts across the UK to tackle road safety issues.