New signs at Townhead Junction

New (yellow) signs at Townhead Junction

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New temporary road signs have appeared at Townhead Junction following a series of six crashes at the junction in six days.

Concerns have been raised about the safety of the junction since it was recently 'improved', due to there being no filter arrow from Yorkshire Street turning right into Whitworth Road.

The signs appear to be the Council's response to pleas to do something to stop the carnage that has occurred since the layout and traffic signals were changed at the junction.

The Rochdale Association of Private Hire Drivers (RAPHD) has urged the Council to adjust the traffic signals and put a right filter arrow from Yorkshire Street. A spokesperson said: “We urgently request that Rochdale Council Highways review and investigate the traffic signals at Townhead Junction.

"In the past few days we have witnessed numerous motor vehicle collisions and near misses by motorists using this new junction, putting Rochdale people's lives in danger.

“RAPHD believe that Rochdale Council needs to adjust the traffic signal and add a right filter arrow signal from Yorkshire Street turning right onto Whitworth Road, this would reduce the numbers of accidents at this junction.”

Former local councillor, Farooq Ahmed has been inundated with complaints about the junction, he said: “I have had hundreds of messages from members of the public and the taxi association.

“I have contacted a of couple of the motorists involved in these accidents.

“The Rochdale Association of Private Hire Drivers (RAPHD) went to the Rochdale Township meeting on Wednesday (25 November) but were not allowed to speak.

“I have put a formal complaint to the Chief Executive about the conduct of the Rochdale Township meeting.”

Steve Reay, Head of Highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We have responded to the small number of accidents at the newly-redesigned Townhead junction by installing even more signs warning drivers not to turn right unless their way is clear.

"We have also contacted Greater Manchester Urban Traffic Control (UTC), who have control of traffic lights across Greater Manchester, to consider whether any changes can or should be made for vehicles turning right into Whitworth Road.

"As with any changes to our roads, we will continue to monitor the junction and make adjustments if necessary.”

• Concerns raised about the safety of Townhead Junction
  http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99424/concerns-raised-about-the-safety-of-townhead-junction

• Six accidents now - letter to council from concerned resident
  http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99483/six-accidents-now-letter-to-council-from-concerned-resident

• Townhead Junction - letter to Council leader
  http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99485/townhead-junction-letter-to-council-leader