20mph speed limit as safety fears raised at Blackpool roadworks

Coun Jason Roberts had called for additional signage and a slower speed limit to be introduced at Midgeland Road and Highfield Road.

It comes as police are investigating the death of pensioner Derek Johnstone, 81, who died last week from injuries sustained after he was hit by a car last December on Highfield Road, close to the junction with Common Edge Road.

Coun Roberts said: “Since the summer my priority has been to ensure this necessary work on the ward has caused as little disruption for all our residents as possible, but most of all it remains safe.

“I most recently asked for a speed reduction and additional signage for existing roadworks on the ward, to ensure the roadworks remain safe for pedestrians and road users, while this work is complete.

“The dark evenings, existing layout and signage does not lend itself to support safe driving and I believe more should have been done sooner. Improved signage and layout could go a long way to warn all drivers that might not be familiar with the road and the roadworks.”

The roadworks are monitored by Blackpool Council but the work is being carried out by United Utilities.

A council spokesperson said: “There is a lot of monitoring of traffic flow in the area. We have asked the project manager to implement some additional advisory 20mph signs and some ‘slow down’ signs.”