Safety plea for blackspot

County Coun Peter Buckley said more needs to be done to improve the junction between St Leonard’s Road East and St David’s Road North in St Annes after a number of collisions.

In May, two accidents in two weeks took place at the busy junction, including a crash between a car and a van, (pictured right), while police reported two accidents in the last three months at the busy thoroughfare.

He added: “The junction is on a bridge and motorists approach it far too quickly.

“Modifications have been made over recent years to improve the signage, but an accident still occurs there most months. Although these tend to be minor collisions, there is real concern that it will only be a matter of time before something more serious occurs.”

Coun Buckley asked staff from Lancashire County Council’s (LCC) highways department to meet with residents in the area to find a way of improving the junction.

Coun Tony Ford, who has campaigned for years to improve the blackspot, said “driver error” was to blame for many accidents.

He added: “Motorists just continue along St Leonard’s Road East and don’t see the stop signs. I’ve worked for some time on this.

“The problem is compounded by illegal and inconsiderate parking on the approach to the junction, due to the number of shops on St David’s Road North. People park very close to the edge of the junction, obstructing the view. Drivers edge out slowly, but sometimes it is too late to react to a fast-moving car.

“Possible solutions include changing the road markings and illuminating the ‘stop’ advance warning sign, to make it clear for motorists.”

Sim Lane-Dixon, LCC public realm manager for Fylde said: “Having met with local councillors and residents, we now have a clearer picture of the traffic issues at this junction. We will take away the many useful comments and suggestions made and hope to come up with a solution that meets the ongoing concerns.”