A FLURRY of collisions on a notorious road which has received a raft of changes following the addition of a large housing estate will result in new safety schemes being fast-tracked to avoid further incidents, the Chronicle can reveal.
Barnsley Council confirmed that a behind-closed-doors meeting was held on Wednesday afternoon last week, promoted by another crash on Lee Lane, Royston, just hours before.
The Chronicle understands the majority of the collisions - which Coun Caroline Makinson said were of serious concern given the recent layout changes - have occurred at the new roundabout which was created as part of Barratt Homes’ successful bid to build 164 homes on neighbouring fields.
Another planning application - for 249 houses - has been submitted by Bellway Homes and is awaiting a decision from the council’s planning board amid further fears over road safety.
Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “Council officers recently met with local members to discuss potential solutions to the recurring road safety challenges at this critical junction.
“We acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and we’re committed to implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate the risks associated with this particular location.
“The council takes road safety concerns seriously and our commitment is evident in the £20m investment in highway maintenance and improvements made in this financial year.
“Council officers are working to develop proposals that seek to address the underlying road safety issues on Lee Lane in Royston.
“They will work with local members and residents to address community concerns and keep Barnsley’s roads safe.
“We remain dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment for all road users in Barnsley.
“Updates on the progress of the road safety improvements on Lee Lane will be communicated to the public as the plans evolve.”
Coun Makinson, who represents the Royston ward and is also the council’s deputy leader, told the Chronicle that all options are being explored given the seriousness of the situation.
“Thankfully there were no fatalities in last Wednesday morning’s crash but a council meeting was called later in the afternoon given the accident rate on Lee Lane,” she added.
“I saw the aftermath of it on my way to Barnsley and it appears the driver lost control on the way into Royston, having travelled down Lee Lane, where the new roundabout is.
“We’ve seen this happen before not so long ago and a house was damaged.
“It’s a serious situation as clearly something’s not quite right and the residents whose homes are nearby are fearful.
“Our highways team are drawing up options and there’s potential for chevrons, better signage, speed bumps or rumble strips.
“The message we want to send to residents - and commuters who often use Lee Lane - is that we are aware of the concerns and we’re working towards putting measures in place to avoid a repeat.”
