£400k scheme to cut accident toll in Walsall town centre

It follows more than 40 accidents within three years, the majority of which have seen pedestrians hit by cars.

Now, junctions could be altered and better pedestrian crossing points installed as part of a review into routes in the heart of the town.

There have been 43 reported accidents in the centre from December 2009 to 2012, leading to Walsall Council looking at new safety measures.

Busy roads such as Bridge Street and Lichfield Street are being assessed, although any work is subject to funding being agreed.

It means that the project – worth an estimated £396,000 – has not been included in the current programme for the next year.

Transport chiefs say two of the accidents have been serious over the three-year period but possible action is being considered.

Transport boss Councillor Tom Ansell said: “The majority of the collisions have been slight personal injuries involving a conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.

“We have been looking at ways of reducing the potential for these incidents. Measures that could be considered as part of any scheme include a 20mph zone with gateway style features at the entry points to the zone from the ring road; raised crossing points to give pedestrians priority at key points such as Bridge Street and Wisemore; and re-alignment of junctions coupled with narrowing of roads in areas such as Wisemore, Freer Street, and Lichfield Street. The scheme is not included in the 2013-14 programme but will be identified for a future programme.”

Road improvements in the heart of the borough have seen the £23 million Arboretum section of the ring road rebuilt to ease congestion. The project launched in the summer of 2006 and was expected to take two years.

However, it did not finish until spring 2009.

Hold-ups were also caused by utility companies, including gas and electricity boards, being unable to carry out work for long periods.

Other changes to the road layout in the town centre over the last few years include Hatherton Street and Lichfield Street. The shake-up meant cars can no longer turn right into Lichfield Road from Hatherton Road, while those travelling along Hatherton Road from the direction of St Paul’s Street have to veer into Hatherton Street