Euro MP joins campaign for better road layout

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 4th Apr 2006

Liz Lynne MEP at Wall Heath

Local Lib Dem MEP Liz Lynne recently visited Wall Heath in the Black Country and saw the highly controversial mini-islands at the centre of the village. These islands were installed after campaigners asked for traffic lights at the busy High Street A449 / Enville Road junction.

There have been many damage-only accidents at this junction since the islands were installed by the Government's Highways Agency, who are responsible for the upkeep of the A449. Even though one of the islands is about 1 metre out of place and causes motorists to scratch their heads on how to negotiate the obstacle, the Highways Agency now plans to hand over the upkeep of the A449 to Dudley Council. This will not only give the council the problem but will give them the bill when traffic lights or a single island are eventually decreed to be the best option.

Liz Lynne visited the roundabouts to see problems for herself, along with local council candidates Jon Bramall and Lynn Boleyn. Speaking after the visit, she said:

"I have stood and watched the traffic at this junction and motorists seem to make their own plans when negotiating the islands - no wonder accidents occur if there is no uniformity. I have also driven around these islands many times and have always found them very confusing."

Local Lib Dem Councillor Dave Tyler said:

" We have been in regular contact with the Highways Agency since these islands were installed and even though they know they are positioned wrongly they are in the process of de-trunking the road, which means that the Council will now have to pick up the maintenance costs and any future works at the site. It is clear to everyone in the area that these islands were only ever a stop-gap solution to the traffic problems in Wall Heath and that a better system is much needed."

The Highways Agency have advertised the de-trunking of the road and all objections to the handing over to Dudley Council of this section of road must be submitted to the Highways Agency by 3rd May 2006.

ENDS