Highways Official Commits to Safety Measures at Perilous Crossroads

A highways official has committed to implementing urgent safety measures at a “dangerous” crossroads known for frequent collisions. Local residents have advocated for modifications at the junction of the A521 and Draycott Cross Road, situated near the Huntsman pub in Cheadle, Staffordshire. Conor Bernard Devine, the landlord of the pub, started recording the intervals between accidents on an A-board, noting that collisions occurred approximately every fortnight. Mark Deaville, the county council’s cabinet member for strategic highways, stated that warning signs would be installed on the approach roads and the A521, along with road markings instructing drivers to proceed “slowly”. He further expressed that he was “massively relieved” that no individuals had sustained serious injuries in the incidents, but emphasized the necessity for changes to be implemented with “great urgency”. Advanced warning signage is slated for installation on Dilhorne Lane and Brookhouse Lane, with an additional new sign planned for the A52. “I do travel this route on a regular basis and I can understand that a driver who may be unfamiliar with our area may think that road goes straight on as both junctions are absolutely in line,” he remarked. He also noted that the locality had experienced increased activity due to a rise in tourists, individuals visiting Alton Towers, and a greater volume of HGVs. He suggested that the community could assist by taking down certain advertising signs that might be contributing to the confusion at the intersection. Mr. Devine commented that the issue was a frequent topic of discussion and expressed his hope that the new signs would “hopefully” bring about a change and “might be all it needs”.