TWENTY-four road safety schemes proposed for Fenland have been short-listed to three and could go ahead next year. All 24 were put up for funding through a joint consultation with village and town councils but highways chiefs narrowed the field to three.

TWENTY-four road safety schemes proposed for Fenland have been short-listed to three and could go ahead next year.

All 24 were put up for funding through a joint consultation with village and town councils but highways chiefs narrowed the field to three.

Up to £70,000 could be spent on the schemes for Wisbech, March and Friday Bridge.

Topping the priority list is West Street, Wisbech, where speed reduction measures and a footpath could cost £20,000.

In Wimblington Road, March, it is expected that speed reduction measures will cost £25,000.

And in March Road, Friday Bridge, £25,000 is being put forward for spending on speed reduction measures because of the number of personal injury accidents along the road.

The decisions will be formalised today by the Fenland Traffic Management Area Joint Committee.

Councillors will be told that a points system was used to prioritise the schemes which will attract funding under a joint arrangement with local councils.

Those just edged out of this year's list include a pedestrian crossing for Benwick High Street and traffic calming for London Road, Chatteris.

Peter Vale, area traffic engineer, says the schemes will go ahead on the assumption that the funding is definitely in place and that local consultation reveals strong support for the proposals.

If any of the schemes fall for whatever reason, then the next highest scheme in the list of 24 will take its place, he said.