Resident calls for action to cut collisions on rural road (From Knutsford Guardian)

Resident calls for action to cut collisions on rural road

9:00am Friday 20th July 2012 in News By David Morgan

A WORRIED resident is calling for action to be taken on a notorious stretch of road after two cars crashed near his home in an hour.

At around 12.30pm on Friday, a car lost control and clipped Bernard Tuck’s fence in Holmes Chapel Road, Jodrell Bank.

A silver Ford Fusion then careered off the same bend at about 1.45pm near Farm Lane and rolled on its side.

Two children and an adult were uninjured but were taken to Macclesfield Hospital for a check-up.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said the accident was caused when the driver lost control due to a sudden downpour.

But Mr Tuck is angry as he has been campaigning for highways improvements on the road since June 2011 when there was a serious accident.

Two people were hurt after a three-vehicle smash near Terra Nova School.

Mr Tuck said: “Fortunately the houses are set back or there would be a big problem.

“Cars have ended up in my next door neighbour’s garden and they’re an elderly couple.

“I cycle quite a lot and so does my wife and you take your life into your hands.”

Mr Tuck told the Guardian he has witnessed eight collisions on the same stretch of road since June 2011.

He says the chevrons at the top of the hill need to be more visible and the road surface should be improved at the bend.

Mr Tuck is also appealing for the 50mph speed limit to be reduced.

He added: “They come hurtling down the hill and the surface of the road there is absolutely disgraceful.

“I’ve seen them driving about 80mph. No one seems to do anything about it. Everyone passes the buck.”

Insp Mark Gammage, who is in charge of policing in that area, said: "Since January 1, this latest incident is the first one to be reported to police.

“In some cases the collisions are not reported as they are minor bumps which haven't blocked the highway or needed help from the ambulance service and the driver has driven away.

"I would suggest to any concerned resident that they log the collisions they witness and get in touch with their neighbourhood policing team so we can get a clear picture of the actual numbers occurring in their area.

"That way police and residents can work with other agencies to resolve the issue."

Clr Les Gilbert, ward member for Dane Valley, added: “Cheshire East responded to concerns expressed by residents about a year ago and re-textured an area of the road surface.

“It has only just been brought to my attention that there has been a spate of accidents since then “While we will never stop a small minority of irresponsible drivers from driving recklessly, there may be technical issues in relation to the state and condition of the road or the signage which I will explore with our highways manager.”