Local drivers concerned about major road junction

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

The road junction at Manchester Road, A58, and Drake Street, A640, near Freehold flats is grid locked with traffic at busy times

The road junction at Manchester Road, A58, and Drake Street, A640, near Freehold flats is causing concern to local drivers who use the junction.

Drivers have contacted Rochdale Online to say: ’This traffic light junction needs a yellow box. It is horrendous lately, cars have been blocking this main junction near the town centre, making the junction grid locked, blocking the junction. Maybe adopt what they have in London yellow box junction cameras.’

A box junction which is criss-cross yellow lines painted on the road, is a road traffic control measure designed to prevent congestion and gridlock at junctions. Drivers must not enter the box until their exit road or lane is clear, therefore keeping the junction free of traffic.

Andrew Storey, head of highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We appreciate this matter being brought to our attention.

“There have recently been a number of emergency roadworks taking place on or near to the A58 which have had a significant impact on traffic flows around Rochdale town centre.

“We would like to remind motorists that the Highway Code states ‘you should only go forward when the traffic signal is green if there is room for you to clear the junction safely or if they are taking up a position to turn right.

“We will continue to monitor the situation in this area and will consider the provision of a box junction, if we deem it necessary.

“We are unable to install a camera to enforce box junction markings however, as, outside London, only the police are able to undertake action against motorists contravening them.”