THE NEW layout of Birmingham Road in Stratford has been condemned as an accident waiting to happen.
Stratford MP Manuela Perteghella is leading the charge against Warwickshire County Council for their poor management of the roadworks. Not only has the ongoing work made navigating the town a gruelling challenge – leaving businesses fearful for their livelihoods, but now motorists are fearing for their lives.
She told the Observer: “Warwickshire County Council’s scheme was rushed through by the last Conservative administration without enough thought and consideration for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“I have received numerous complaints about the dangerous layout of this road. We have waited so long for this road to be upgraded, yet after so much disruption we are stuck with dangerous junctions and risks to pedestrians and cyclists. This is unacceptable.
“People are seriously worried about their safety – with good reason.
“It’s about time that Reform-led Warwickshire County Council got a grip on this scheme. Instead of wasting officer’s time on which flag they should fly at Shire Hall, they should concern themselves with my constituents who are too scared to walk down Birmingham Road.”
Coun Roger Harding, a former lecturer for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) continued: “Turning right out of Justin’s Avenue onto the Birmingham Road is now very hazardous. Drivers are forced to cross two lanes of traffic coming into town. The second lane is almost impossible to see. There is a similar problem turning right out of Oakleigh Road.”
He has similar concerns about traffic turning right into Justins Avenue. “There used to be a right-turn lane, but now drivers face crossing two lanes of traffic while holding up motorists leaving the town. It’s bound to lead to more rear-end shunts, as well as traffic delays.”
County councillor Lorraine Grocott added: “I have been overwhelmed by complaints from members of the public, and I am in constant communication with the officers managing the scheme.
“I’ve organised two public meetings about the works with angry local residents. It is clear that elements of the scheme are not working and need to be addressed.
“I will continue to demand action from the Highways department to make any changes that are required to address safety issues.”
Local businesses have spoken about the disruption caused by the roadworks.
Shane Mapp, a business partner at Carpetwise, said: “Here at Carpetwise Curtainwise Furniturewise on Wharf Road, we have found the roadworks on Birmingham Road to have had a substantially detrimental effect on our business with footfall considerably reduced. We were impacted further when Wharf Road was closed off and then only allowing traffic out of Wharf Road not into the road. With long queues caused by the traffic light system our customers are just avoiding the area.”
WCC has been approached for comment.
