'Dangerous' Stourbridge crossings to stay despite protests

More than 300 people signed a petition to move the crossings and island on High Street and Bridgnorth Road, which are all close to each other in Wollaston near Stourbridge.

Both the position of the island and the three crossings have been deemed dangerous by residents living nearby after a number of crashes.

A private meeting has now been held with three transport officers along with cabinet member for transport Hilary Bills and Wollaston councillor Nick Barlow.

It was decided that the area should have tighter monitoring and the potential for cameras to be built around the area would be explored, with Councillor Barlow warning of the need for people to be 'extra vigilant' when using the crossings.

He said: "It was a very positive meeting, all issues of the crossings were discussed. I have to agree that at this stage it is an impractical idea to suggest moving the zebra crossings, it's just not physically possible, it would take some very strenuous planning.

"People will need to be extra vigilant around the crossings and island. Yes they are dangerous but careless driving could happen at other crossings, not just in Wollaston.

"We are looking for more signage to be put around the area and to hopefully implement more speed awareness checks. It is definitely not the end of the matter, far from it. I will be letting all of my constituents know the outcome of the meeting and will welcome any feedback to take on board for future meetings. This is something I will be keeping a very close eye on."

Lead campaigner Vanessa Jackson, aged 50 of Meriden Avenue, became concerned that both the position of the island and the three crossings causes dangerous driving.

After hearing the outcome of the meeting, she said she was disappointed that not more was going to be done to prevent such issues.

She said: "The primary concern and issue I have is public safety, first and foremost. Until the roundabouts and island don't prove to be continually hazardous, then I will argue against them until a change happens.

"A human life is something you cannot replace, but changing the position of zebra crossings is a much easier option in comparison, isn't it?"

The issue has been previously raised with Highways England. Project engineer John Hindley said: "I have reviewed the area and found that over the last three years there have been only three recorded personal injury accidents within 100 metres (328ft) of the roundabout and the crossings.

"Current guidance is directing highway authorities away from this concept of tightly corralling pedestrians, so regrettably without an unjustifiable level of investment to remove the roundabout and change the junction to full signal control with pedestrian facilities, the existing situation is the best that can be achieved."