Six accidents now - letter to council from concerned resident

Townhead Junction accident

Six accidents now.

You didn't respond or act on the below email so I am copying in Rochdale Online so that others are aware of my communication to you.

Before a truly catastrophic accident happens, instruct the traffic light company today (Friday 27/11/15) to ensure that there is a dedicated four way rotation at Townhead junction, with no crossing of traffic from any direction.

This will remove the current cause of accidents immediately.

Urban Traffic Control
0161 244 1511

The accident tonight was avoidable. Future accidents are avoidable. You are responsible. Be responsible.

Regards,

Resident

________________________________________
Subject: Townhead Junction: Rochdale Online Report
Date: Tue, 24 Nov 2015 19:09:29 +0000

I read your comments on the Townhead junction in relation to the recent accidents and I am concerned that nothing is going to be done to rectify an obvious issue.

"The changes to the Townhead junction are designed to improve traffic flow and early indications suggest this is working. The vast majority of drivers are negotiating the new road layout safely but unfortunately, a small number of drivers have ignored the new traffic signals, putting themselves and other road users in danger. Drivers should never make manoeuvres without being certain it is safe to do so"

"The changes to the Townhead junction are designed to improve traffic flow and early indications suggest this is working

The traffic flow might be improved at times, but 5 times in 5 days it has been impaired by serious accidents. An accident per day is no improvement, whether traffic is flowing smoother at other times of day or not.

"a small number of drivers have ignored the new traffic signals, putting themselves and other road users in danger. Drivers should never make manoeuvres without being certain it is safe to do so"

They are not ignoring new traffic signals. There is no right filter light from Yorkshire Street to Whitworth Road. If they were wait until it is safe to go, they will never go as it will never be safe.

The lights at that junction are as follows

John St: 3 way filters. All other directions on red when John St on green

Whitworth Road: 3 way filters. All other directions on red when Whitworth Road on Green

St Mary's. 3 way filters. All other directions on red when St Mary's on Green. Filters go to red when Yorkshire St turns to green

Yorkshire St. Left filter but no Right filter. No indication that traffic coming the other way from St Mary's is on red.

It is perverse that the only direction of traffic with no right filter is also the only one that doesn't have dedicated right of way with no other traffic moving.

There are two solutions you could oversee to stop these accidents happening

1. Short term: Request dedicated right of way for traffic for all 4 direction when on green.
2. Long term: Put a right filter light in. All of the other directions have them, there is no logical reason why this one shouldn't.

There is an obvious flaw in this junction and to put this down purely to poor driving is wrong in my opinion.

I hope you are able to make changes for the safety of drivers in this town and equally I hope there are no further accidents at this junction.

Kind Regards

Resident