Call for safety measures (From Barry And District News)

Call for safety measures

A NOTORIOUS accident black spot in Barry is the subject of an in-depth report soon to be discussed by the local authority.

Officers in the Vale of Glamorgan Council's Traffic Management Group are preparing a document that outlines the safety concerns surrounding the turning onto Coldbrook Road East from the Docks Link Road.

The junction complex has been identified as having a serious accident record and specialist consultants undertook an investigation into the causes before suggesting various options to prevent further injuries.

Out of the 11 personal injury accidents studied, seven of them involved vehicles making a right turn into Coldbrook Road East and colliding with motorists travelling north on the A4231. Other accidents have happened at the northbound merge from Coldbrook Road East onto the Link Road.

Although locals have known for years the junction is hazardous, it wasn't until May that a study was carried out that proved it.

Builder Ceri Rowlands, a resident of Coldbrook Road East, said: "Locals have always known this road is bad, but it took the council to pay thousands for a study to confirm it. While it's good that it's finally been recognised as needing work, I hope lack of funding doesn't stop safety measures being introduced soon."

The ward's Cllr Fred Johnson is up-beat. He added: "This road is the worst blackspot in the whole of the Vale. Not all prangs are reported to the police, so it could have a poorer record than on paper.

"The quotes for the various options range from minor adjustments costing around £50,000 to signalisation at £350,000 right up to a major roundabout, which would cost a hefty £900,000.

"But there are measures that can be implemented immediately at a fraction of the price. Speed cameras are placed on road with high accident rates, so put them on this road. And extend the 50mph limit through Wenvoe to the Cardiff Road roundabout.

"The whole idea is to put funding from speeding fines back into the pot for reasons like this very one. I want the Cabinet to discuss every option available so the measures can be brought in as soon as possible."