A crossroads in Staffordshire has been labelled one of Britain's most dangerous junctions after shocking CCTV footage captured 13 separate crashes occurring within just six weeks.
Residents' fears grow as accidents mount
The Draycott Cross Road junction in Cheadle, Staffordshire, became the scene of repeated collisions between August and October last year, with residents growing increasingly concerned that the next crash could prove fatal. The series of accidents caused approximately £200,000 worth of damage to vehicles and property.
Ring doorbell footage from local councillor Gary Bentley's home documented the alarming frequency of collisions. One particularly dramatic incident showed a car failing to spot give-way markings and speeding across the lines before being struck by a lorry. Another clip captured an SUV being clipped by a VW Golf, causing the smaller vehicle to flip over and roll across the road.
Community action forces council response
Pub landlord Conor Bernard took matters into his own hands by keeping a running tally of crashes on a board placed outside his establishment. The 56-year-old described the terrifying regularity of accidents: "You'd hear a big bang and you'd come running out and there's a car on its roof again. I just thought it was just a question of time before someone gets killed out there."
Following sustained local pressure, Staffordshire County Council has agreed to implement £25,000 worth of safety improvements. The measures include replacing the old give-way sign with a permanent stop sign and repainting faded road markings that were identified as a primary cause of confusion for drivers.
Safety measures show immediate results
According to Reform councillor Gary Bentley, the installation of a temporary stop sign six months ago has already produced significant improvements. No major collisions have occurred since the interim measure was put in place, demonstrating the effectiveness of clearer signage.
The council's comprehensive safety package also includes filling potholes to prevent motorists from swerving as they approach the junction and reducing the speed limit on the approaching A521 road. The limit will now drop to 40mph before reaching the 30mph zone at the crossroads itself.
Conor Bernard expressed cautious optimism about the changes: "There has been a lot of activity locally to do something about it, and the council have listened. It looks like they are doing everything that needs to be done, but time will tell."
