Road accidents double at new Shrewsbury crossing site

The Shropshire Council report has found that accidents on Smithfield Road have risen by more than 100 per cent since it was built at the junction with Roushill two years ago.

There have been nine accidents along the Smithfield Road corridor since 2010, compared to four recorded in a similar period before it was installed.

Councillors have been involved in an ongoing row about whether or not to remove the pedestrian crossing.

In May, Shropshire Council announced plans to remove the refuge, following pressure from town councillors who claimed it caused traffic chaos and tailbacks.

But Shropshire Councillor Mansel Williams, for Belle Vue, called for a council debate on the plans, saying the crossing was well used by pedestrians and cyclists.

The report said: “The collision data appears to indicate that there are less collisions without the refuge.”

But the report also confirmed that the refuge has had a positive traffic calming effect since it was built.

According to the report, the speed of north-east bound traffic on Smithfield Road dropped from an average 28.6mph to 23.1mph in 2011. The speed of south-west bound traffic fell from 24mph to 20mph.

The report said: “This in theory should reduce the likelihood of collisions and reduce the severity of any injury.

“From a speed and safety management perspective this outcome is beneficial.”

Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “There are many reasons for the refuge to go and this report just backs them up.”