URGENT action is being called for at a collision blackspot in Ettington.
The offset crossroads of the Banbury Road and Fosse Way just outside the village has caused major traffic problems for years. Stratford MP Manuela Perteghella and local councillor David Curtis are calling on Warwickshire County Council to take urgent action.
Campaigners met on Friday (November 21) at the junction to generate awareness and support for the campaign. The group included people who had been involved in near misses and direct collisions at the site. A petition calling for action has been created by local campaigner James Keitley.
The petition reads – “We the undersigned petition the council to take urgent action to improve the staggered junction where the A422 meets the B4455 east of Ettington, following continuing road traffic collisions at this location”.
Dr Perteghella visited the site with campaigners and said: “It’s clear that this is a very dangerous junction for cars, and even more so for cyclists. The positioning of the roads mean that cars must perform a chicane style turn to go straight on if following the Fosse Way. This is not safe at all.
“I’ve signed the petition and I’m going to write to the Department of Transport, to the secretary of state about the issue here and whether they can liaise with Warwickshire County Council as well.”
Coun Curtis added: “This is an extremely dangerous junction, there have been two near fatal accidents here in recent months. The key problem is that people don’t know who has the right of way.
“I appreciate officers are bringing forward a series of mitigation measures, but until the layout of the junction is addressed, I am afraid accidents will continue.”
Petitioner James Keitley will present the signatures at the next full council meeting on December 16 where he will ask cabinet member Jennifer Warner to take urgent action.
