Calls to improve Sedgley road signs following crash

Existing signage at the junction of The Priory, Gospel End Street and Vicar Street needs 'urgent maintenance', after Give Way signs appear to be pointing in the wrong direction and the road markings significantly worn.

But councillors believe the sign is insufficient and should be changed to Stop, after two young children had to be taken to hospital and three adults also need medical attention as a result of a two-car smash which happened on Gospel End Street at around 9.30am on February 17.

The children, both young boys, were taken to Russells Hall Hospital with chest pains, while the woman driver of their car was treated for a suspected broken wrist. Another woman travelling with the youngsters suffered cuts to her head.

The male driver of the second car, whose male passenger escaped injury, was taken to Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital with a head injury.

But in a letter to UKIP candidate Shaun Keasey, Richard Milburn, of traffic and road safety, said the site 'doesn't meet the strict criteria for the use of a Stop sign.'

He said: "It is laid out in the Department for Transport regulations, the rules for use include but are not limited to visibility being far below the normal required minimum for a Give Way. This is not the case at this location, the site is not suitable for this change in signage."

Mr Milburn did, however, confirm he would ask Highway Maintenance to re-mark the carriageway markings, which has been backed by Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for transportation. She said: "We will be refreshing the road markings and restoring the signs to their correct position to ensure clarity to road users."

Mr Keasey said: "I believe road signs across Sedgley need to be changed, there are a number of residents as concerned as I am.

"A huge increase in traffic volumes and the inability of the main High Street, Sedgley Bull Ring route, to cope with this, has meant drivers are using residential roads such as The Northway and Cotwall End Road, Catholic Lane, to speedily circumvent the town centre. Both are locations of primary schools, and it is only a matter of time before a tragedy occurs."

Mr Keasey will hold a meeting with residents next week to discuss the issue further.