New mini-roundabout 'creating crash spot'
Several accidents have happened at a junction outside a hospital – despite a mini-roundabout being built to make the road safer.
Some motorists are avoiding the junction on the A456 close to Tenbury Hospital in Burford due to fears they will be involved in a crash, it has been claimed.
Highways officials have met police to discuss the problems amid calls from councillors and residents for action to be taken.
Councillor Richard Huffer, Shropshire councillor for Clee Hill, said there had been multiple accidents in the area since the mini-roundabout had been built.
Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire councillor for Tenbury, said there is not enough warning for motorists that the junction with Forrester's Road has changed.
The new roundabout was brought in earlier this year in an attempt to combat speeding traffic on the approach to Burford and Tenbury.
Councillor Huffer said: "I would say it is an accident waiting to happen, but a number have happened already.
"I've seen cars pull up and stop there and cars behind just go around them.
"The problem is that on these kinds of junction people aren't always clear about who has right of way.
"I know residents who say they won't ever use that junction now – in fact they'll go around Burford just to avoid it.
They (Shropshire Council) were desperate to do something to stop speeding traffic on that road as there have been a number of casualties over the years. But this is not really addressing the speeding issues and is making people more likely to have an accident.
"They have created a problem where there wasn't one before – there wasn't an issue with that junction. It hasn't solved one problem, but has created another."
Councillor Pollock said: "I think there's nothing wrong with the idea of the roundabout, but the implementation has been poor.
"There is only a very, very small sign that is very easy to miss.
"If you change something you should put up great big signs saying 'this has changed'. Let's hope we can do something before someone gets hurt."
Simon Jones, Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "We are aware of local concerns, and a meeting has taken place with the police to discuss this.
"Traffic counts have been commissioned to determine vehicle speeds after the implementation of the scheme. After which, a meeting will be arranged with Councillor Huffer, and both Burford Parish Council and Tenbury Parish Council, to discuss how we address the concerns and move forward."
