Traffic schemes are saving lives (From Gazette Series)

Traffic schemes are saving lives

TRAFFIC safety schemes have made massive inroads into the number of serious accidents at some South Gloucestershire blackspots, saving lives and money according to a new council report.

A council road casualty report focussing on 13 locations across the district has revealed dramatic reductions - up to 95 percent - in fatal and serious injury accidents.

In the three years before the work was carried out the blackspot locations saw 111 accidents, 22 if them involving fatalities or serious injury.

In the three years after the schemes were completed there were 49 accidents, and the number of fatal or serious accidents was down to one - a reduction of nearly 95 percent.

Some locations showed a 100 percent improvement.

It is estimated that the average value to the community of preventing an accident is more than £60,000.

The 13 safety schemes prevented 62 accidents - representing a saving to the community of more than £3.5 million over three years.

The collective cost of the projects was £385,600 which means the work paid for itself in four months.

Cllr Pat Hockey, executive member for planning, transportation and the strategic environment, said: "Reducing the number of serious accidents is a priority for us and we are really pleased that our work has made such a significant difference to the safety of road users at these locations.

"We know the impact that road accidents can have on victims and their families, so we will continue to strive to reduce accident numbers throughout South Gloucestershire in the future."

(FACT BOX STYLE) The 13 schemes were: * A420 Toghill - junction improvement * Roadway Hill, Mangotsfield - puffin crossing * A38/Grovesend Road junction - speed limit, interactive signs, anti-skid and street lighting * Highwood Lane - anti-skid surfacing * B4058 Bristol Road, Winterbourne - anti-skid surfacing * Hambrook - anti-skid surfacing * Merlin Road/Highwood lane - red light cameras * A46 M4 j18 to Starveal - route action * A432Smarts Green and Old Sodbury - speed limit and traffic calming * North Road/Armstrong Way - lining and signing * Coniston Road, Patchway - traffic calming modifications * Over lane - traffic calming and speed limit * Downend - traffic management review.

Funding has been made available this year for a further 17 schemes across the area.

Residents can view the full Road Casualty Review on the council's website by choosing the road safety engineering option at www.southglos.gov.uk/networkservices For more information about road safety, residents should contact the network services section at networkservices@southglos.gov.uk or write