More calls for changes at Bromsgrove roundabout

Buy photos » The changes to road layout caused controversy when they were introduced in 2010. s

FOLLOWING the crash involving a car and motorbike on Sunday, which has left a woman in a critical but stable condition, drivers have reiterated calls for something to be done to the Slideslow island which leads to the Oakalls Estate.

Back in 2010, when the road markings were changed, we ran a front page story after residents contacted us about the controversial alterations.

This week, after reading about Sunday’s crash on our website, many people took to our Facebook profile to relay their own experiences of near misses and incidents they had seen or been involved in.

Some compared negotiating the island to ‘playing Russian roulette’, while others labelled it a ‘death trap’, ‘pure hell’ and a ‘ticking timebomb’.

Among the suggestions to improve safety were changes to the markings and the introduction of traffic lights.

Davina Hinton was-Bradley said: “As a driving instructor myself, I think something needs to be done on this roundabout.

“So many times I see a close accident, people in wrong lanes, in too much of a hurry and no care for other drivers.

“Traffic lights would be a good idea.”

Emma Brett said she agreed with introducing traffic lights and added: “Something needs to be done there - it’s an awful island.”

Sharon Southall posted: “Since the layout of the island has been changed, it has become dangerous!

“I am surprised there are not more accidents as you have to cross over lanes to get into the correct lane, ending up cutting people up!”

John Andrews said: “The worst part for me is coming from the town centre. I have to hold my breath as I am in the left lane to go to the Oakalls, people in the right lane sometimes go to Redditch or The Oakalls too and look at me as if I’m in the wrong.

“Once that’s over with I have to then hope that someone from Redditch doesn’t pull out in front me!”

Ben Perry wrote: “That island is ridiculous, the signage is awful and the road markings are stupid.”

Alison Horton said: “I live within earshot of the island and the high number of frantic hornblasts and screeching tyres is a good indication of the number of people driving far too fast or pulling out in front of people just to get out.”

Frances Carter stated: “The county council have to listen and take into consideration when there have been serious accidents or fatalities - more so when backed up with a petition.”

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council’s customer and community manager for Highways, said: “As with any serious incident of this nature on the county’s roads, we will be reviewing what happened in conjunction with the police who are investigating the accident.”

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