RESIDENTS of Bringsty Common, near Bromyard, are calling for a clampdown on cars and motorcycles that speed through the area before someone is killed.

The residents say speed limits on A44 which cuts through the middle of the common must be cut from 50mph to 30 mph.

Allan Corder, chairman of Bringsty Common Manorial Court, which manages the common, said: “The current speed limit is 50 mph. Many of our residents have access tracks off the A44.

"These tracks are unsigned, and driving at 50 mph round some extremely sharp bends leaves far too little time to slow down when drivers pull out from the tracks. Often the sight lines are very poor.

"We do not want to wait for someone to get killed before the authorities take action. Weekends are a particular nightmare for residents as motorbikes roar up and down the road.”

Mike Davis, who lives close to the A44, said: “The speed at which motorcycles and some cars pass our house, which is adjacent to the A44, is terrifying, certainly much more than 50 miles an hour. They can be heard approaching from at least half a mile away, roaring passed the track which leads to our house and the busy antiques centre and cafe.”

Tom Fisher of the manorial court said they will be approaching Herefordshire Council, the highway authority. with their request.

He said: "We also want to get the support of Whitbourne Parish Council and Brockhampton Parish Council, the two parishes in the area, and we have already got the support of the Open Spaces Society."

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "Herefordshire Council, working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places, has not yet received a request for a traffic regulation order to reduce the speed limit at Bringsty Common.

“In order for a traffic regulation order to be considered, a request must be submitted by the parish council. Balfour Beatty Living Places and Herefordshire Council will then review the proposal and, pending the outcome, will work to find a resolution.”