Dudley councillor calls for change at 'dangerous' junction plagued by bad parking
A Dudley councillor working in the emergency services is warning someone will be badly hurt unless a dangerous junction is made safer.
Councillor Adam Aston says there have been a number of near misses at the intersection of Highgate, Kent Street and Hill Street in Upper Gornal and it is time for improvements.
The Labour councillor, who represents the Upper Gornal and Woodsetton ward, believes the junction is a prime example of a problem which blights the region’s roads.
Councillor Aston said: “I have recently submitted a traffic regulation order request to the council’s highways team - this will allow the installation of double yellow lines near this junction as the problem is really being caused by parked cars obstructing the view for drivers emerging from Highgate.
“In my view, parking on or near a junction is a worsening problem across our borough.
“As a paramedic, I am only too aware of the consequences of a road traffic collision; it’s only a matter of time before someone is badly hurt at this increasingly dangerous junction.”
Councillor Damian Corfield, Dudley Council’s cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said the comments would be taken "on board".
He added: “At the junction of Highgate, Kent Street and Hill Street, the roads are in a good state of repair and visibility is good.
“There are also measures in place depending on which direction you approach the junction; these include speed limit signage.
“We’ll take the comments on board and review them as we move forward with planned work.”
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We understand that bad parking is a source of frustration for people within the local community and we encourage drivers to park with due consideration to other road users and local residents.
“We will act when vehicles are causing unnecessary obstructions, and civil enforcement officers carry out patrols to ensure parking regulations are being followed, offer advice and issue notices where there are breaches.”
Councillor Aston is also calling for more to be done to maintain pavements in the borough which he says are being forgotten.
He added: “Our pavements are becoming a particular problem for people with disabilities such as wheelchair users or people living with sight loss, many are choosing not to venture out due to the fear of falling over.
“It often feels that the council prioritises road repairs rather than work on footpaths which are falling into a state of disrepair right across the Dudley borough."
Councillor Corfield said: “We have a planned programme of work which sees us invest £375,000 each year to maintain pavements across the borough.
“We also spend an additional £185,000 on laying slurry seal which can prevent deterioration and extend the life of the pavement surface.
“That said, there are always additional works throughout the year that we cannot anticipate, and we do budget for ad hoc work.”
