Calls for safety measures at Meliden accident blackspot

Dec 3 2008 by Justine Bailey, Denbigh Visitor

TWO accidents within a week along a stretch of road where a young man was killed in August have prompted further calls for traffic-calming measures.

For years, Cllr Gerry Frobisher has been appealing to Denbighshire County Council to address the problems regarding speeding traffic in along the A547 Prestatyn to Rhuddlan Road, which runs through Meliden.

On August 26, 22-year-old David Wares lost his life in a crash involving three cars and Cllr Frobisher believes it is only a matter of time before someone else is killed.

His calls to date for traffic-calming have fallen on deaf ears, but since the latest accidents he is more determined than ever to pursue the matter.

The first recent accident occurred on November 18 at 8.35am, a time when many youngsters are walking to school.

The second accident was on Sunday evening, less than 200 yards from the site of the August fatal smash .

“It just goes to show that even in a 30mph area such accidents are still occurring,” said Cllr Frobisher.

“I have been campaigning for years for more traffic-calming measures through Meliden and the number of accidents on this stretch over the years proves that fact. Line upon line of vehicles pass through the village and sometimes one has to wait several minutes for a break in the traffic so as to cross the road by the shop, and even where this accident occurred last Tuesday, because of the lack of safe crossing facilities.

“Many towns and villages are now introducing 20mph areas during the 45 minutes around school opening and closing. Many children under 11, either accompanied or not by they parents, have to cross this nasty road at least twice a day to go to Meliden Primary School, and to get home again. This is in addition to the couple of hundred other pupils that have to make their way the mile or so on foot to and from Prestatyn High School.

“It only needs a vehicle swerving to avoid a shunt, to mount the pavement and someone could be terribly injured or killed. Even with a 20mph section, traffic would still proceed but in a slower and safer manner. Drivers would be more aware of the many school pedestrians and also other car users. I will be yet again contacting Denbighshire County Council about my concerns.”

Sunday’s accident caused overhead wires to fall across the road as the car involved crashed into a telegraph pole closing the road to traffic for some time. The driver and two passengers suffered only minor injuries.

“Again this car mounted the nearside pavement, which could have killed someone,” added Cllr Frobisher. “I am really relieved that because of the time of day there was no-one walking along the pavement.”