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Remarkable CCTV footage captures a sequence of vehicle collisions at what has been termed ‘Britain’s most perilous junction,’ which has recorded thirteen incidents within a two-month span.
Numerous vehicles have been seen overturning, with one colliding with a substantial truck at the intersection along the A521 in Cheadle, Staffordshire.
Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, yet local residents worry it is merely a question of time if corrective measures are not implemented.
They attribute the alarming frequency of accidents to unclear give way signs and deteriorated road markings, resulting in damages amounting to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Doorbell footage captured by local councillor Gary Bentley shows the chaotic events. Gary has reported witnessing 13 collisions since August.
One video features a vehicle failing to recognize the give way road markings and speeding over them before being struck by a truck.
Another recording reveals an SUV being grazed by a VW Golf, which causes it to roll across the roadway onto the sidewalk.
The latest incident occurred on Thursday (October 17) when a vehicle and a van collided at the intersection.
Residents are now urging the local council to implement changes to the junction to mitigate future collisions and potentially save lives.
Conor Bernard Devine, proprietor of the nearby Huntsman pub, has been monitoring the days between each incident, currently tallying four days.
The 55-year-old stated: ‘You hear a loud crash and rush outside, only to find another car flipped over.
‘It’s just a matter of time before a life is lost there.
‘We’re currently on a four-day streak. We’ve lived here for 15 years, and the frequency of accidents has always been concerning.
‘For some reason, it seems to be escalating. I’m uncertain if it’s due to the road markings or something else.
‘There have been three very significant accidents, along with a few minor bumps.
‘An Aldi supermarket is also set to open, which will undoubtedly bring increased traffic to the area.’
Gary, an Independent councillor for High Peak Borough Council, has advocated for traffic lights to be established.
He expressed: ‘This junction sees a great deal of traffic. We believe it may well be the most hazardous in Britain, especially in recent weeks.
‘We have all expressed concern over the roadway issues and the influx of outsiders, as most of the crashes involve people unfamiliar with the area.
‘A couple of weeks back, a driver arrived and was unaware they needed to stop. Two incidents occurred: one vehicle was hit by a car, and another by a truck. We attribute this to the unclear markings.
‘The council has painted one line. Yet the crash last week involved the other side, where no markings have been added. They only painted one side of the road.’
Who is responsible for that?
‘One side is exquisitely painted, while the opposite side is obscured. I wanted the signs to switch from give way to stop; that’s the very least I expect.
‘Ideally, we would prefer a set of traffic signals. Another intersection nearby claimed a life, but 18 months ago, they installed traffic lights. This is what I am advocating for.
‘We’ve seen £170,000 worth of vehicles wrecked in just six weeks. Such incidents occur frequently. We don’t only experience significant collisions; we have minor accidents as well.’
Gary expresses concern for his 84-year-old father, Alan, who resides nearby and frequently walks along that route.
He remarked: ‘This has persisted for years, yet it appears to have worsened this year. I can only attribute it to the neglect of the road and the potholes.
‘There are no white lines at the conclusion of the road. There’s a giveaway sign positioned high above.
‘This is my neighborhood; I cherish my corner. We all get along and assist one another. The only issue is the crossroads. ”
Alan, who has been a resident of the area for 60 years, commented: ‘This location isn’t safe. I would prefer a large roundabout, a significant roundabout to slow down traffic, or traffic lights.’
Mark Deaville, cabinet member for strategic highways at Staffordshire County Council, stated that accidents are currently under investigation.
He noted: ‘Once we have gathered all the necessary information, we will assess whether any measures are warranted at that site.
‘Ensuring the safety of our roads is our foremost concern, and we actively listen to residents and collaborate with local communities regarding their road safety apprehensions.
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