Consultation for accident blackspot

A PUBLIC consultation is to take place after yet another incident occurred at an accident blackspot in Oughtibridge this week.

There was an accident involving a motorcycle on the morning of February 27 and in the past five years, there have been three motorcyclists and six cyclists have been injured – six of them seriously.

The council have now called a public consultation for a proposed road safety scheme at Bridge Hill and it will take place on Thursday March 14, from 2pm to 7pm at the Zion United Reform Church on Langsett Road South, Oughtibidge.

Susie Pryor, senior transport planner for the City Growth department of the council said: “There have been a number of accidents involving people using motorcycles and bicycles travelling on Orchard Street, Oughtibridge being involved in a collision with people driving out of Bridge Hill into Station Lane without giving way. In the last five years three people on motorcycles and six people on bicycles have been injured, six of them in seriously.

“We are about to commence with public consultation on a road safety scheme at this location. We are proposing to close Bridge Hill, at the top of the hill, where it meets Langsett Road South.

“There is a letter and the plan is being delivered to local residents in the coming week. The consultation at Zion United Reform Church will allow local residents to ask our officers questions from 2pm to 7pm.”

Oughtibridge resident Terry Barrow has been campaigning for something to be done about the junction. She said: “I am grateful to the council for listening to concerns about the number of accidents in Oughtibridge and committing to consult on a proposal to reduce them.

“However, there are fears that the scheme being suggested has a number of drawbacks which include the effect on local businesses and homeowners nearby as well as the safety of pedestrians who cross near the proposed turning area.

“I personally still believe, as do almost 75% of survey respondents, that making Bridge Hill right turn only and moving the crossing with appropriate railings to prevent shortcuts would offer a better solution.

“Having fought for the opportunity this consultation offers for almost three years I would urge everyone with an opinion to get involved to ensure that the outcome offers the best solution to everyone; pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, locals, business owners and people who pass through our village.”