WORK on a new road safety initiative at the Sixteen Foot bank began this week, with 11 miles of ridged rumble strips being installed along the road. The �52,000 trial scheme is aimed at keeping motorists and other road users away from the edge of the wate

WORK on a new road safety initiative at the Sixteen Foot bank has been carried out, with 11 miles of ridged rumble strips being installed along the road.

The �52,000 trial scheme is aimed at keeping motorists and other road users away from the edge of the water way - the scene of previous fatal road accidents.

"This is a welcome initiative and a useful step forward for safety on the Sixteen Foot, which has been previously overlooked," said road safety campaigner Graham Chappell.

The raised audible warning lines, similar to those used on motorways, give drivers an audible and visible warning, felt by drivers when their tyres run over it.

The lines on both sides of the road were installed from Horseway Bridge to Cottons Corner.

A county council spokesman said: "Investigations of some of the accidents where drivers have gone off the roads near waterways show that drivers may over correct if they put their wheel on to a verge, casing them to lose control.

"It is hoped the new strips will not only show up the edge of the road, but also give drivers a warning that they can hear and feel, if they get too close to the verge.

"The scheme is part of an overall package of road safety improvements in the Fenland area, including education campaigns, enforcement and physical engineering measures."

Cambridgeshire county councillor Mac McGuire, cabinet member for highways and access, said: "Reducing accidents is a top priority for the council, and although Fenland has seen one of the largest reductions in the county, there is always more we can do."

County council leader Jill Tuck said: "Earlier this year when we identified extra money for highways, as road safety is a priority, I asked that this be trialled along the Sixteen Foot road.