A WORCESTERSHIRE MP is calling for extra safety measures on the M5 - saying there has "simply been too many collisions".

The Worcester News can reveal how Harriett Baldwin has held talks with Highways England to voice her dismay over the ever-growing catalogue of incidents since the roadworks started.

The Government minister directly raised fears about people's safety, in particular at the stretch by Droitwich where the junction for drivers coming down the slip lane forces drivers to suddenly merge into the narrow lanes.

She is also concerned about the crash barriers, in the belief their grey colour makes it hard to pick out at a distance when it falls dark.

The MP's intervention has heaped fresh pressure on highways chiefs, who yesterday insisted bad driving was to blame for the rise in shunts.

Mrs Baldwin said: "I know many people have been frustrated by the number of accidents during the roadworks and I have raised my concerns directly with the Highways England.

"There have simply been too many collisions through the narrow lanes of traffic.

"I have been concerned by poorly marked junctions – particularly at Droitwich.

"I know the agency has been looking into this matter, and I hope together we can find some quick solutions to reduce the number of accidents."

Mrs Baldwin's remarks come just 24 hours after two other county MPs, Robin Walker and Nigel Huddleston, said they were "extremely concerned" and "very disappointed" by the repeated incidents.

In the last two months there have been at least 10 crashes along the narrow 50mph section of the road, which is being upgraded to 'smart motorway' status as part of a multi-million pound investment package.

But the work is dragging on for longer than originally planned and will now not finish until the spring.

Highways England says it plans to launch an "awareness campaign" in the coming weeks to help drivers navigate the stretch between junctions 6 and 4a safely.

Janice Allen, the project manager, has insisted safety is the "number one priority", saying that while "minor shunts and damage-only incidents" are up serious crashes have dropped.

She added: "The M5 junction 4a to 6 scheme is bringing the latest stretch of smart motorway to the county, with its benefits of decreased journey times and improved safety."