A SPATE of tragedies on the A69 trunk road could lead to the installation of average speed cameras at notorious blackspots.

Calls for road safety improvements have been heightened in recent years, following an alarming number of fatalities along the stretch between Hexham and Haltwhistle.

Now a study by Highways England has concluded that average speed cameras could be the key to slowing down traffic and improving road safety.

Cameras could go up between Hexham and Haydon Bridge; along the stretch past Bardon Mill and Henshaw; and from Greenhead to Low Row.

A Highways England spokeswoman said: “We have carried out an initial study into the need for average speed cameras along the A69, and have identified sections where they would be beneficial.

“Further studies will now be carried out looking specifically at these locations to see if it is feasible and look at exactly what is needed, as well as the costs associated with this.”

Local county councillor Alan Sharp said: “The findings of the study by Highways England are quite worrying, particularly along the stretch from Bardon Mill, and to the east end of the Haydon Bridge bypass.

“There were 11 collisions along there during the study period, which started in March, and there were 19 collisions further east, between Wharmley and Hexham.

“A high percentage of traffic exceeded the speed limit, and anything to control speed is worth considering.”

The A69 was blighted by tragedies in 2016. Karen Gell (50), from Manchester, and 69-year-old Ann Marie Dewhurst, from Preston, died in an horrific crash at Melkridge, last September.

And last October, 20-year-old local man Dylan Monnelly died after his car overturned at Hexham.

In February last year, Kevin Capstick (37) was killed after his car collided with a van on the road near Haydon Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Government is pressing on with plans announced by Chancellor Philip Hammond in last November’s Autumn Statement, to upgrade two junctions on the A69.

Highways England said advanced design work was being carried out ahead of improvements at Hexham’s Bridge End roundabout, and at the Styford roundabout, near Corbridge, with construction work due to start in late 2019.