COUNCILLORS are calling for a review of the layout of a busy junction after accidents and congestion.
Three councillors representing Woodlands Ward say they are concerned that the layout of the A45/ Broad Lane junction could be contributing to a poor safety record, noise pollution and traffic delays.
Councillors Ridley, Lepoidevin and Male say they have been alarmed by a number of high-profile recent accidents.
In June, firefighters had to cut a driver free and in August the air ambulance was forced to land on the A45.
They point to six injury collisions in three years since the junction was remodelled. It took five years to reach the same number of incidents before the junction was remodelled.
They claim rises in traffic taking an alternative route to the M6 could increase accidents further – and has added to congestion and noise pollution for nearby residents.
The current roundabout has been in operation since 2016 replacing a fully signal controlled junction with filter lanes. There are concerns that the new design is ‘over-engineered’.
Coun Ridley, Woodlands ward councillor and Leader of the Conservatives at the council, said; “Although HGVs aren’t supposed to use the A45 as an alternative to the M6 they clearly are.
“Many residents have told us the noise this creates is preventing them from sleeping.
“Worst of all the council has admitted the extra traffic could even increase the risk of accidents. One accident is too many and that’s why we’re asking the council to work with us to find solutions. Why should our residents have to suffer this for even one more day?”
Coun Lepoidevin said; “This junction has been described as the fourth most dangerous junction in the city. However, I have a growing sense there’s almost an acceptance now from the authorities, and even some drivers, that this situation is somehow normal or acceptable.”
Coun Male said, “It’s clear that we need a multi-agency response to this situation as there are currently several problems affecting this junction.
“The council should also be challenging the Highways Agency about the arrangements they’ve got in place to prevent HGV’s using this route as a cut through.
“The council needs to accept the severity of this situation and start identifying solutions. That process starts with reviewing the layout of the junction.”
