A MOTORCYCLIST was taken to hospital with serious injuries following a crash which closed a major road near Ross-on-Wye.

Emergency services were called to the A449 following reports of a collision involving a motorbike, with the incident causing disruption on the busy route.

The crash happened near the junction for Upton Bishop, between Ross-on-Wye and Ledbury, with police, paramedics and firefighters attending the scene.

West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed crews were called to the collision and sent resources to the area to treat the injured motorcyclist.

The rider was assessed and treated by ambulance staff at the scene before being taken to hospital for further treatment.

Their injuries were described as serious.

The A449 was affected while emergency services dealt with the incident, with motorists facing delays while crews worked at the scene.

The road is one of the main routes connecting Ross-on-Wye with Ledbury and the M50 and is regularly used by motorists travelling between Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

Emergency service personnel remained at the scene while the casualty was treated and the circumstances surrounding the collision were dealt with.

The latest incident comes amid an increased focus on road safety around Ross-on-Wye and surrounding villages.

West Mercia Police recently confirmed speed and road safety as a priority for the Ross-on-Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team over the next three months following feedback from residents and continuing concerns about local roads.

Among the locations specifically identified for enforcement and engagement activity is the A449 at Gatsford Pitch, alongside Gatsford Lane and nearby villages including Upton Bishop and Brampton Abbotts.

Other routes around the Ross area identified by officers include the A40 at Ganarew and Weston-under-Penyard, the A49 through Peterstow, Bridstow and Glewstone and the A4137 at St Owen’s Cross.

Police said regular speed enforcement and engagement activity would be carried out at hotspot locations as part of the work.

The latest collision also follows another serious motorbike crash near Ross last month.

A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries following a collision involving a motorbike, campervan and car on the A4137 at Marstow on Sunday, September 20.

That incident happened at around 5.40pm and resulted in the rider being taken to hospital.

West Mercia Police subsequently appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward.

No arrests had been made following the Marstow collision when police issued their appeal.

Road safety remains a concern across the wider Ross area, particularly on major routes carrying traffic between the town, surrounding villages and neighbouring counties.

Motorists travelling through the area are regularly reminded by police to observe speed limits, drive according to road conditions and allow sufficient time and distance when overtaking vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and cyclists.

Anyone who witnessed the latest A449 collision, or who may have relevant information or dashcam footage, should contact police if requested as enquiries into the circumstances continue.