Summit to discuss dangers of the A46
Highways chiefs have agreed to meet politicians to discuss the safety of the A46 to the north of Bath.
The round table discussion is to involve council officials, the Highways Agency and local councillors following work by The Bath Chronicle to highlight the accident rate on the stretch between the city and the M4.
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The Chronicle highlighted the death toll
Councillor Geoff Ward (Con, Bathavon North), who has been calling for such a meeting, said: "The recent prominent reports in the Chronicle about the A46 have had a real impact on pushing the issue up the council's priority list.
"Hopefully this continued pressure will bring all relevant parties together for a discussion so that we can press the Highways Agency to finally take appropriate action at this accident blackspot."
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Mr Ward, along with other Conservative councillors at Bath and North East Somerset Council, wants officials from the Highways Agency and the authority's own transport officers to visit Hartley Bends near Swainswick.
The Chronicle revealed in July that between 2003 and 2010, seven people were killed and 20 seriously injured on the stretch of road between Bath and the M4. On top of that, another 295 drivers or passengers suffered minor injuries.
Councillor Martin Veal (Con, Bathavon North), who has long campaigned for safety improvements, said: "There have been far too many accidents on the A46 in recent years, and it's time for the Highways Agency and the council to take action."
The agency is responsible for the route as it is a trunk road, but council transport cabinet member councillor Roger Symonds (Lib Dem, Combe Down) said the authority was making its safety a priority.
He added the council had been attempting to arrange a meeting with the agency over the summer.
He said: "The accident record on the A46 has given cause for concern over the years. The road is not the responsibility of the council, but it is in the council area and affects Bath and north east Somerset residents."
A spokesman for the agency confirmed it had received a request to meet B&NES.
He said: "Safety is our top priority when making decisions about the operation of our network and we welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns with others."
Comments
by Mr_Nemo
Monday, October 08 2012, 3:13PM
“I wonder just how many of those attending the meeting will be regular users of that road, who therefore can speak with practical experience about the issues?”
by jezer
Monday, October 08 2012, 2:32PM
“Well, I have driven there many times, and never had an accident. There is no such thing as a dangerous road, only dangerous drivers. Just slow down and concentrate on what you are doing!”
by t1mmyb
Monday, October 08 2012, 1:30PM
“The problem is that minor driving behaviour infractions are now tolerated by society and the police, so drivers feel they can do as they please. Tailgating, going too fast, driving distracted by gadgets, phones & the radio etc...”