MAJOR improvements to one of Suffolk's busiest routes are edging closer to becoming reality as a study is launched looking into the possible options. For several years the Liberal Democrats have been calling for drastic action to be taken after a series of accidents on the A12.

MAJOR improvements to one of Suffolk's busiest routes are edging closer to becoming reality as a study is launched looking into the possible options.

For several years the Liberal Democrats have been calling for drastic action to be taken after a series of accidents on the A12.

The black spot, between Stratford St Mary and East Bergholt, will be investigated by the Highways Agency, and the results are expected at the end of next month.

Improvements being considered include enforcement of the 70mph speed limit, the closure of the B1068 turning at Higham, and the possible introduction of a 50mph speed limit in the area.

And after years calling for the research to be conducted Liberal Democrat councillors are “cautiously optimistic” at the news of the possible improvements.

Kathy Pollard, Liberal Democrat group leader, said they hoped the research would lead to a fall in accidents on the stretch of road.

She said: “We have been pressurising the Highways Agency to address this problem for a long time.

“This stretch of road has been host to some horrific accidents over the years, including the fatal accident last year involving a motorcyclist.

“Hopefully the results of this study will reduce the all too frequent accidents here.”

And Sue Carpendale, Holton and Stratford St Mary district councillor, also welcomed the study.

She said: “I'm pleased to see that the Highways Agency has responded to our calls for safety improvements at long last.”

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: “The Highways Agency's has looked into a number of options to improve safety at Hugh's Corner on the A12 near East Bergholt in Suffolk.

“We will be meeting with the county council and police in May to discuss these options.”

The Highways Agency was unable to comment on the timescale of any potential changes or what the options are at present. The consultation process is ongoing and at a meeting in May the options will be discussed.

n. Do you think changes need to be made to the A12? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk