Public Meeting Aimed To Improve Safety On Danger Junction

An accident blackspot in Southampton that has seen dozens of incidents since 2011 was discussed at a public meeting aimed at finding solutions last night (June 18th).

Public concern had centred on the high tally of accidents at the junction of South East Road and Kathleen Road in the Sholing area of the city, the Daily Echo reports.

This prompted Southampton City Council to commission a safety audit, which officers from Hampshire County Council carried out in May.

Council officers made those results available for the discussion with road safety campaigners, local residents and councillor Daniel Jeffrey at the meeting at St Mary’s Church Hall in St Monica Road.

Possible measures under consideration include putting in speed bumps, fitting a speed camera, installing bollards or having a mini-roundabout at the junction. All of these were listed among possible measures in a petition signed by 150 residents and delivered to the local authority in November last year.

Speaking to the paper ahead of the meeting last night, Councillor Jeffrey stated that past steps taken to try to manage traffic better around the junction had not been effective.

He said: "I think the priority change in 2011 has not done much to help things.

"I am hoping to see some radical traffic-calming measures to give local residents the peace of mind that the road layout is fit for purpose and they can use it safely."

It is not just in Southampton that a local authority is consulting on how an accident blackspot can be tackled.

Earlier this week the Sheffield Star reported on how Rotherham Council is in discussions with South Yorkshire Police and local residents about what further steps might be taken to deal with a notorious bend on Stubbin Road in the village of Nether Haugh.

A number of measures have already been implemented, such as the installation of high-friction surfacing on the bend and more prominent road markings to warn motorists of the approaching bend. However, the council is keen to do more if possible.

Dozens of cars have either collided with other vehicles or come off the road at the spot in recent years.

Expert Opinion

It is very worrying to see these concerns arise regarding this accident blackspot and it is vital that this public meeting leads to some understanding of the problems that road users are facing, as well as what can be done to address them. <br/> <br/>"Too many people are injured or killed on roads in the UK and it is of course not uncommon to see issues arise in specific areas. <br/> <br/>"While road users of course have a responsibility to themselves and others to behave responsibly on routes, it is also important that local authorities play their part in addressing issues using the tools they have at their disposal. <br/> <br/>"Collaboration could be key in ensuring that blackspots are made much safer in the long run." Guy Darlaston - Partner