Danger junction to be made safer
HIGHWAYS chiefs are bringing in new safety measures following a series of crashes at a crossroads used by Uttoxeter motorists heading to the Moorlands.
Freehay crossroads, just a few miles out of town, recently saw fourway traffic lights installed as a temporary measure to prevent accidents.
They are expected to remain in place for a number of months, but in the meantime Staffordshire County Council is working on a permanent solution.
The authority will soon launch a public consultation on a detailed plan after reviewing several crashes at the site in recent years.
It includes giving traffic in School Lane and Counslow Road priority over motorists in Hollington Road and Rakeway Road, who would have to give way.
This would be supported by a speed limit reduction from 60mph to 30mph on all four approaches.
The scheme would also include resurfacing, kerb realignment and new safety signs, as well as moving the current flashing vehicle-activated signs.
Driver visibility would be improved by nearby hedges being cut back.
County councillor Mark Deaville said: “Improving road safety at this junction has been one of my top priorities for a number of years now and I’m pleased with the proposed improvements.
“I do understand the concerns that local people have with regard to the recent spate of incidents here and would like to reassure them that priority has been placed on these works.
“I am extremely close to my local community and I listen when they voice concerns about safety in this area.
“I share their worries and I am determined that we take action to reduce the alarming number of ‘cross-over’ collisions.
“We have to take action on these vehicles just not stopping at the ‘STOP’ signs. Our Highways teams have already carried out a number of improvements at Freehay and this latest scheme will help to improve safety even further.”
Helen Fisher, the council’s cabinet member for Transport and Highways, said: “Keeping our roads among the safest in the country is one of our top priorities.
“We listen to residents when they have concerns and our highways teams have carried out a number of improvements at Freehay in recent years. These latest improvements will improve safety further at the junction.” Residents started a petition earlier this year amid mounting concerns over the accidents. Some of the fears centre on visitors to Alton Towers from out of the area who are unaware of the junction until it is too late.
The work will be carried out during this financial year.
Eight collisions resulting in injury have been recorded at the crossroads in the last five years. Seven were classified as ‘slight,’ and one that took place in August 2016 was recorded as ‘serious.’ None of the collisions has resulted in any deaths.