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Traffic lights bid at accident blackspot
TRAFFIC lights could soon be installed at a Marton accident black spot.
Residents of Lawson Road and East Park Drive are being consulted about Blackpool Council's plans.
Local authority chiefs announced the proposals following a number of smashes at the junction.
And residents say it is a "miracle" there has not yet been a serious accident.
Letters seeking opinions have been sent to householders on Lawson Street and East Park Drive.
Council head of transportation Peter Cross said: "Drivers' misjudgment of speed and distance and an element of risk-taking has led to a number of incidents at this junction. A possible solution to this is installation of traffic signals."
Pat McQueen, of Lawson Road, said she and her husband, Barry, were 100 per cent in favour of traffic signals.
She added: "It's a terrible junction and it's a miracle we haven't seen a serious accident there. People use it as a rat run and you can sit in your car trying to get out for 10 or 15 minutes at busy times.
"In the seven years we have lived here, the amount of traffic has doubled."
Ward councillors Jim Houldsworth and Nicola Best are leading the calls for action.
Coun Best said: "There have been many near misses and some accidents and residents of Lawson Road who attended PACT (police and community together) meetings asked for lights.
"It won't make it any quicker for drivers to get out of Lawson Road, in fact they might have to wait longer, but it will make it safer."
She said traffic lights would be safer than the alternative of a mini-roundabout.
If traffic signals were installed, they would give priority to vehicles on East Park Drive in the hope this would discourage drivers from using Lawson Road.
Residents need to make their views known by April 3.
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Weather for Blackpool
Wednesday 30 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
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