Calls to change ‘scary’ road junction in Walsall
Worried residents and councillors have called for major changes to a ‘scary’ double roundabout junction to stop crashes happening there.
Road users said inadequate signage and road markings are contributing to the chaos which takes place on the busy Birmingham and Broadway junction on a daily basis.
Elected members said highways officers told them there had only been four recorded incidents in the last three years but they urged them to look beyond the statistics and observe what happens for themselves.
Walsall Council said whilst road markings would be refreshed, the signage was considered adequate.
Paddock ward councillor Gurmeet Singh Sohal said he still found the junction ‘scary’ despite using it daily while his colleague Councillor Waheed Rasab said they received constant complaints from motorists and residents about it.
Resident Mohammed Seb, who has lived nearby for 17 years, said: “My wife and daughter have had accidents there. We didn’t report it to the police because there were no injuries. It is a big hazard, accidents are always happening. It really does need looking into. They really need to do something about it.
“It’s a big problem here. It’s been going on for a few years. I’ve witnessed loads of other crashes too. There have only been three or four reported to the police but there are far more. We want to see it revised and more thought put it to how it should flow at that roundabout.”
Another resident Gary Sahota said: “It’s a nightmare for people. Whether they are coming from Broadway North or Broadway West."
“People don’t report minor accidents. They also realise they are creating an obstruction so quickly exchange details and go.
“An ideal solution would be a larger roundabout with a bigger circumference area with good road markings with some stop signs prior.”
A Walsall Council spokesperson said: “Resident safety is a priority and the council is fully committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all road users in our borough.
“The council undertakes annual reviews of road collisions, as well as assessing and comparing roads to identify areas of priority.
“A recent inspection of the existing signage confirmed that drivers approaching from all directions are adequately informed. Directional arrows on the approach help guide drivers to turn left, go straight or turn right.
“The council plans to refresh give way markings in the Broadway North area, subject to weather conditions.
“The council will continue to monitor the roundabout as part of the ongoing borough-wide Road Safety Review.”
